Recording signal control apparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions for magnetic recording medium

ABSTRACT

A plurality of test signals of different frequencies are recorded on a magnetic recording medium while gradually increasing or decreasing recording current, and the variation of the level of each of the replayed test signals and the variation of the recording current are stored in a memory. From these variations, the amount of detail emphasis and/or the frequency characteristic of a recording equalizer and/or the recording current value for optimum recording of video signals are calculated and stored in another memory, and based on the thus stored optimum data for the magnetic recording medium displayed on display means, a detail emphasis circuit, a recording equalizer frequency correction circuit, and a recording current value setting circuit are controlled singly or in any combination thereof, thereby controlling one or other or any combination of three factors, i.e. the amount of detail emphasis that the detail emphasis circuit applies, the frequency characteristic of the recording equalizer, and the gain of a recording amplifier for FM signal recording.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to a recording signal control apparatuscapable of optimizing recording conditions or a magnetic recordingmedium, wherein when controlling signal recording conditions forrecording on a particular magnetic recording medium in a magneticrecording and reproduction apparatus, the characteristics of videosignal recording and processing circuitry are controlled in such amanner as to match the performance of the magnetic recording medium.

2. Description of Related Art

Usually, in home video tape recorders (hereinafter called VTRs),recording current adjusting means is provided that controls therecording current fed to the recording head coils at an optimum value inorder to obtain the maximum playback voltage, as described in "NyuumonVTR (Introduction to VTR)" by Kotaro Yokokawa, Tokyo ElectricalEngineering University Press, pp. 75-78. The recording current valuenecessary to obtain the maximum playback voltage, i.e., the optimumrecording current value, is hereinafter abbreviated as O.R.C.

However, the O.R.C. value varies due to variations in the magnetic tapeand head characteristics from one VTR to another. Furthermore, even inthe same VTR, the O.R.C. value changes depending on the magnetic tapeused, i.e., on the magnetic recording medium used. The O.R.C. value alsovaries as the characteristics of the magnetic tape arid head vary withtime. Moreover, depending on the characteristics of the magnetic tapeused, the O.R.C. value varies with frequencies of recorded signals.

In a previously practiced method of setting the recording currentcharacteristic, an average O.R.C. value is obtained by considering thevarious factors for the above variations as much as possible, and thethus obtained average O.R.C. value is applied indiscriminately forvolume-produced VTRs. To overcome such a problem with the prior art,Japanese Patent Application Laid-Open No. 2-187902 (1990) discloses arecording current control apparatus such as shown in FIG. 1.

In FIG. 1, the reference numeral 59 designates a recording head forrecording a signal for the detection of O.R.C., 9 represents a magnetictape, and 60 and 65 indicate rotary transformers. Further, the numeral61 denotes a recording amplifier, while 62 designates a gain switchingcontroller for controlling the switching of the gain of the recordingamplifier 6. The numeral 64 is a playback head For playing back signalsrecorded on the magnetic tape and the numeral 66 is a front-end playbackamplifier For amplifying the playback signal played back by the playbacklead 64 and input via the rotary transformer 65. The numeral 67 is adetector for smoothing the playback signal amplified by the front-endplayback amplifier 66, and converting it to a d.c. voltage. The numeral63 is a comparison/decision unit for comparing the magnitudes ofmultiple d.c. voltages output from the detector 67 and, based on theresult of the comparison, issuing an instruction to the gain switchingcontroller 62 fop gain setting. The gain switching controller 62controls the gain of the recording amplifier 61 in accordance with thegain setting instruction given from the comparison/decision unit 63.

FIG. 2 is a characteristic diagram showing an example of a playback headoutput frequency (f) characteristic for each of tapes A and B havingdifferent characteristics. FIG. 3 is a characteristic diagram showing anexample of a reproduced video signal frequency characteristic for eachof the tapes A and B when video signals are recorded and played backusing the tapes, A and B, having the video head output frequencycharacteristics shown in FIG. 2.

The operation of the above control apparatus will now be described. Inrecording, signals input to the recording amplifier 61 are amplified bythe recording amplifier 61 and applied via the rotary transformer 60 tothe recording head 59 for recording on the magnetic tape 9. Recording isperformed with a plurality of recording currents of different valuesbased on the instructions given from the gain switching controller 62.In playback, the signals recorded on the magnetic tape 9 are played backby the playback head 64 and supplied via the rotary transformer 65 tothe front-end amplifier 66 for amplification. The playback signalsamplified by the front-end amplifier 66 are fed to the detector 67 wherethe signals are smoothed. The plurality of signals smoothed by thedetector 67 are input to the comparison/decision unit 63 where themagnitudes of the plurality of input signal voltages are compared todetermine the O.R.C. value.

Conventional VTRs are designed to the lowest grade of magnetic tape toprevent magnetic reversion (which leads to recording errors) and securea sufficient signal-to-noise ratio for any grade of magnetic tape. As aresult, when a high-grade magnetic tape is used, the recorded picture isonly excellent in the signal-to-noise ratio although such a tape couldrecord finer details without degrading the signal-to-noise ratio.

Furthermore, with the recording current control apparatus of FIG. 1having the configuration described above, the O.R.C. value can beaccurately measured for each individual magnetic tape, but since theO.R.C. value is measured at a single predetermined frequency, nocorrection is made for the frequency characteristic of the magnetictape. The sideband recording and reproduction levels of thefrequency-modulated wave of the recorded and reproduced video signalvary depending on the characteristics of the various magnetic tapes, asshown in FIG. 2, causing such problems as variations in picture qualitywhen the video signal is reproduced, as can be seen from the reproducedvideo frequency characteristics shown in FIG. 3.

Moreover, since the recording current control apparatus of the aboveconfiguration does not have means for storing magnetic tapecharacteristics measured, it is necessary to make the measurement overagain even when using a magnetic tape of the same grade.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is an object of the invention to provide a recording signal controlapparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions for a magneticrecording medium, wherein for any grade of magnetic tape, the videosignal can be recorded with the best characteristic that the magnetictape can provide.

It is another object of the invention to provide a recording signalcontrol apparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions for amagnetic recording medium, wherein despite variations in the performancefrom one recording medium to another, no variations are caused in thequality of picture reproduced from the recorded video signal.

It is a further object of the invention to provide a recording signalcontrol apparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions for amagnetic recording medium, wherein characteristic data for variousmagnetic tapes are prestored and are used to control recordingcharacteristics when recording video signals, thereby preventing thequality of picture reproduced from recorded video signals from varyingdue to variations in the performance from one magnetic recording mediumto another.

It is a still further object of the invention to provide a recordingsignal control apparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions fora magnetic recording medium, wherein for a magnetic tape for which nodata is prestored, test recording is done and the obtained data,concerning the kind and the characteristic of the magnetic tape, isstored in memory to eliminate the need to make the measurement overagain in the future, thereby preventing the quality of picturereproduced from recorded video signals from varying from one kind ofmagnetic tape to another.

According to a recording signal control apparatus of the inventioncapable of optimizing recording conditions for a magnetic recordingmedium, a plurality of test signals of different frequencies arerecorded on video tracks of a magnetic recording medium while graduallyincreasing or decreasing the recording current value, and afterrecording for a predetermined length of time, the test signals arereplayed and the varying levels of the test, signals are the variationof the recording current are stored in a memory; from variations inthese two factors, the amount of detail emphasis and/or the frequencycharacteristic of a recording equalizer and/or the recording currentvalue for optimum recording of video signals are calculated and storedin another memory, and based on the thus stored optimum data for themagnetic recording medium displayed on display means, a detail emphasiscircuit, a recording equalizer frequency correction circuit, and arecording current value setting circuit are controlled singly or in anycombination thereof, thereby controlling one or other or any combinationof three factors, i.e. the amount of detail emphasis that the detailemphasis circuit applies, the frequency characteristic of the recordingequalizer, and the gain of a recording amplifier for FM signalrecording.

According to another recording signal control apparatus of the inventioncapable of optimizing recording conditions for a magnetic recordingmedium, information indicating the kind of the magnetic tape is readinto the VTR from the barcode or the like carried on the packaging ofthe tape cassette, and based on this information along withcharacteristic data of various magnetic tapes previously stored inmemory, a detail emphasis circuit, a recording equalizer frequencycorrection circuit, and a recording current value setting circuit arecontrolled singly or in any combination thereof, thereby controlling oneor other or any combination of three factors, i.e. the amount of detailemphasis that the detail emphasis circuit applies, the frequencycharacteristic of a recording equalizer, and the gain of a recordingamplifier for FM signal recording.

Accordingly, whatever the performance of the magnetic performance, it ispossible to prevent magnetic reversion and produce a picture of goodsignal-to-noise ratio.

The above and further objects and features of the invention will morefully be apparent from the following detailed description withaccompanying drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a prior artrecording signal control apparatus;

FIG. 2 is a characteristic diagram showing the difference in playbackhead output frequency characteristic between two magnetic tapes;

FIG. 3 is a characteristic diagram showing the difference in reproducedvideo frequency characteristic between the two magnetic tapes;

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a recordingsignal control apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 5 is a block diagram showing in detail the configuration of a testsignal generator in the recording signal control apparatus of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a block diagram showing in detail an alternative configurationof the test signal generator in the recording signal control apparatusof the present invention;

FIG. 7 is a diagram showing playback head output levels for a pluralityof test signal spectra recorded on a magnetic tape;

FIG. 8 is a diagram showing playback head output levels for a pluralityof test signal spectra recorded on another magnetic tape;

FIG. 9 is a characteristic diagram showing the difference in thefrequency characteristic of a detail emphasis circuit between the twomagnetic tapes;

FIG. 10 is a characteristic diagram showing the difference in reproducedvideo frequency characteristic between the two magnetic tapes aftercorrection by the detail emphasis circuit;

FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b) are timing diagrams for rehearsalrecording/playback performed with the magnetic tape held at a stopposition;

FIG. 12 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations performedin the recording signal control apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations performedin the recording signal control apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 14 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations performedin the recording signal control apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 15 is a diagram for explaining a tape menu screen from which toselect a magnetic tape for use;

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing a screen showing the tape selected from thetape menu;

FIG. 17(a) and (b) is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operationsperformed in the recording signal control apparatus of the presentinvention;

FIG. 18 is a diagram for explaining a tape menu screen that is displayedwhen the magnetic tape selected for recording is not registered;

FIG. 19 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen that isdisplayed when "NO RELEVANT TAPE" is selected;

FIG. 20(a) and (b) is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operationsperformed in the recording signal control apparatus of the presentinvention;

FIG. 21 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen that isdisplayed when "NO RELEVANT TAPE" is selected;

FIG. 22 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen for enteringthe manufacturer name and type name of the magnetic tape after tapesimulation;

FIG. 23 is a diagram for explaining an example of a screen showing anewly registered magnetic tape after tape simulation;

FIG. 24 is a diagram for explaining an example of a tape menu screen onwhich the last designated magnetic tape is displayed at the top of themenu;

FIG. 25 is a diagram for explaining an example of a tape menu screen onwhich the magnetic tape used for simulation is displayed at the top ofthe menu;

FIG. 26 is a block diagram showing the configuration of anotherrecording signal control apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 27 is a characteristic diagram showing a standard frequencycharacteristic of a recording equalizer;

FIG. 28 is a characteristic diagram showing standard frequencycharacteristics of the recording equalizers for two different magnetictapes;

FIG. 29 is a characteristic diagram showing reproduced video frequencycharacteristics with the recording equalizer set at the standardfrequency characteristics shown in FIG. 28;

FIG. 30 is a characteristic diagram showing the corrected frequencycharacteristics of the two magnetic tapes after correction by arecording equalizer correction circuit;

FIG. 31 is a characteristic diagram showing reproduced video frequencycharacteristics after correction by the recording equalizer;

FIG. 32 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations performedin the recording signal control apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 33 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations performedin the recording signal control apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 34 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations performedin the recording signal control apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 35 (a) and (b) is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operationsperformed in the recording signal control apparatus of the presentinvention;

FIG. 36 (a) and (b) is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operationsperformed in the recording signal control apparatus of the presentinvention;

FIG. 37 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a furtherrecording signal control apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 38 is a characteristic diagram showing the difference in recordingcurrent characteristic between two magnetic tapes;

FIG. 39 is a characteristic diagram showing the difference in recordingcurrent characteristic between the two magnetic tapes after passingthrough the recording equalizer set at the standard frequencycharacteristic;

FIG. 40 is a characteristic diagram showing the difference in recordingcurrent characteristic between the two magnetic tapes after correctionof the recording equalizer;

FIG. 41 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations performedin the recording signal control apparatus of the present invention;

FIGS. 42(a) to 42(e) are timing diagrams for rehearsalrecording/playback performed with the magnetic tape held at a stopposition;

FIG. 43 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations performedin the recording signal control apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 44 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations performedin the recording signal control apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 45 (a) and (b) is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operationsperformed in the recording signal control apparatus of the presentinvention;

FIG. 46 (a) and (b) is a flowchart, illustrating a sequence ofoperations performed in the recording signal control apparatus of thepresent invention;

FIG. 47 is a block diagram showing the configuration of a yet furtherrecording signal control apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 48(a) is a diagram showing a packaged magnetic tape cassette;

FIG. 48(b) is a diagram showing a barcode carried on a packagingmaterial;

FIG. 48(c) is a diagram showing a magnetic tape cassette with a barcodeattached thereon;

FIG. 49 is a diagram showing how the magnetic tape cassette with abarcode attached thereon is inserted into a VTR machine;

FIGS. 50(a) and 50(b) are diagrams showing how the magnetic tapecassette with a barcode attached thereon is inserted into a loadingdevice in the VTR machine;

FIG. 51 is a diagram showing the configuration of a circuit for readingthe barcode when the magnetic tape cassette is loaded into the machine;

FIG. 52 is a block diagram showing a still further recording signalcontrol apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 53 is a diagram showing the configuration of a circuit for readingthe barcode after the magnetic tape cassette has been, loaded into themachine;

FIG. 54 is a diagram for explaining how the barcode is read after themagnetic tape cassette has been loaded into the machine;

FIG. 55 is a diagram for explaining how the barcode is read after themagnetic tape cassette has been loaded into the machine;

FIG. 56(a) is a diagram showing a cassette label bearing a barcodedirectly printed thereon;

FIG. 56(b) is a diagram showing a magnetic tape cassette on which thecassette label is attached;

FIG. 57 is a diagram showing a barcode-printed magnetic tape cassettehaving a barcode directly printed thereon;

FIG. 58 is a diagram showing how barcode data carried on the packagingof a magnetic tape cassette is input to the VTR;

FIGS. 59(a) and 59(b) are diagrams how numeric information at the bottomof the barcode carried on the packaging of a magnetic tape cassette isinput to the VTR;

FIG. 60 is a block diagram showing the configuration of anotherrecording signal control apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 61 is a flowchart, illustrating a sequence of operations performedin the signal recording control apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 62 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations performedin the signal recording control apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 63 is a block diagram showing the configuration of anotherrecording signal control apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 64 is a block diagram showing the configuration of anotherrecording signal control apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 65 is a block diagram showing the configuration of anotherrecording signal control apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 66 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations performedin the signal recording control apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 67 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations performedin the signal recording control apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 68 is a block diagram showing the configuration of anotherrecording signal control apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 69 is a block diagram showing the configuration of anotherrecording signal control apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 70 is a block diagram showing the configuration of anotherrecording signal control apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 71 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations performedin the signal recording control apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 72 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations performedin the signal recording control apparatus of the present invention;

FIG. 73 is a block diagram showing the configuration of anotherrecording signal control apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 74 is a block diagram showing the configuration of anotherrecording signal control apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 75 is a block diagram showing the configuration of anotherrecording signal control apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 76 is a block diagram showing the configuration of anotherrecording signal control apparatus according to the present invention;

FIG. 77 is a block diagram showing the configuration of anotherrecording signal control apparatus according to the present invention;

FIGS. 78(a) and 78(b) are diagrams showing examples of a monitor screendisplay.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The preferred embodiments of the invention will now be described indetail with reference to the accompanying drawing.

Embodiment 1

FIG. 4 is a block diagram showing the configuration of one embodiment ofthe invention. In FIG. 4, the same parts as those described in the priorart of FIG. 1 are designated by the same reference numerals. In FIG. 4,the reference numeral 1 designates a detail emphasis circuit thatapplies an optimum amount of emphasis to a video signal input forrecording. The numeral 2 is a pre-emphasis circuit that appliesrecording pre-emphasis to an output signal of the detail emphasiscircuit 1, and the numeral 3 is an FM modulator for frequency-modulatingthe output of the preemphasis circuit 2.

Furthermore, the numeral 4 is a recording equalizer for correcting thefrequency characteristic of an output signal fed from the FM modulator3, and the numeral 5 is a switch for switching its input between anoutput of the recording equalizer 4 and an output of an f1/f2 testsignal generator 6. The f1/f2 test signal generator 6 generates testsignals having two different frequency spectra, f1 and f2. Outputsignals from the f1/f2 test signal generator 6 are applied to a fixedterminal "b" of the switch 5. On the other hand, an output signal fromthe recording equalizer 4 is applied to a fixed terminal "a" of theswitch 5. The switch 5 has a moving terminal which is set to contact oneor other of the fixed terminals, "a" or "b", to select the output signalof the recording equalizer 4 or the output signal of the f1/f2 testsignal generator 6 for input to a recording amplifier 7.

The recording amplifier 7 outputs a recording current which is fed to arotating magnetic head 8. The rotating magnetic head 8 is used forrecording and playback on a magnetic tape 9, a magnetic recordingmedium. The numeral 10 indicates a control head for recording andplaying back an index signal and a control signal on the control trackof the magnetic tape 9. The numeral 11 is a CTL pulse record/playbackcircuit that transmits signals to and from the control head 10, and thenumeral 12 is a system control microcomputer that controls the entireoperation of the VTR.

The numeral 13 is a playback amplifier for amplifying the playbacksignal read from the magnetic tape 9 by the magnetic head 8, the numeral14 is a playback equalizer, and the numeral 15 is a playback signalprocessor which accepts the playback signal output from the playbackequalizer 14 at its input and processes it to output a reproduced videosignal. The numeral 23 indicates a switch whose input is switchedbetween the EE video signal and the playback video signal output fromthe playback signal processor 15, to direct the selected signal to ascreen display circuit 16. The screen display circuit 16 outputscharacter data at a video signal output.

The numeral 17 is an f1 level detector which accepts an output of theplayback equalizer 14 at its input and detects the level of the f1 testsignal of frequency f1 played back from the magnetic tape 9, and thenumeral 18 is an f2 level detector which also accepts an output of theplayback equalizer 14 and detects the level of the f2 test signal offrequency f2 played back from the magnetic tape 9. The numeral 19designates a tape simulator microcomputer which stores the leveldetection results of the f1 level detector 17 and f2 level detector 18into a third memory 22 and which controls the detail emphasis circuit 1on the basis of the data stored in a second memory 21. The numeral 20 isa first memory for storing the manufacturer names and type names ofmagnetic tapes 9. The second memory 21 stores characteristic data suchas frequency characteristics of the magnetic tapes 9, while the thirdmemory 22 stores the level detection results fed from the f1 leveldetector 17 and f2 level detector 18.

FIG. 7 is a characteristic diagram showing as an example the outputlevels of the playback head (rotating magnetic head 8) for the f1 and f2test signal spectra when the f1 and f2 test signals are recorded on andthen played back from the tape A having the frequency characteristicshown in FIG. 2. Similarly, FIG. 8 shows as an example the output levelsof the playback head for the f1 and f2 test signals recorded on andplayed back from the tape B.

FIG. 9 shows the frequency characteristics of the tapes A and B havingthe above characteristics, after correction through the detail emphasiscircuit 1 of the present invention. FIG. 10 shows the reproduced videosignal frequency characteristics for the tapes A and B when videosignals recorded with frequency characteristics corrected by the detailemphasis circuit 1 are played back from the respective tapes.

Next, the operation of this embodiment will be described below. Tuningbuttons are provided on the front panel of the VTR machine not shown.Before recording, i.e., after a tape cassette has been loaded into theVTR, the user operates these tuning buttons in accordance with which asequence of operations illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 12 areperformed under control of the tape simulator microcomputer 19 to detectthe optimum recording conditions for the magnetic tape.

At the beginning of the test recording, the switch 5 is set by useroperation so that, the moving terminal of the switch 5 contacts thefixed terminal "b" to which the f1/f2 test signal generator 6 iscoupled. This shuts off the recording equalizer signal, and instead,allows the f1 and f2 test signals from the f1/f2 test signal generator 6to be supplied via the switch 5 and the recording amplifier 7 to therotating head 8 (step S1) for recording on the magnetic tape 9. At aprescribed timing synchronized with the operation timing of the tapesimulator microcomputer 19, an index signal is supplied to the controlhead 10 from the CTL pulse record/playback circuit 11 under the controlof the system microcomputer 12, the index signal thus being recorded onthe magnetic tape 9 (step S2).

After the f1 and f2 test signals have been recorded for a length of timenecessary for the measurement of tape performance, the magnetic tape 9is rewound to the position at which the index signal has been recorded,and then played back (step S3). The played back f1 and f2 test signalsare amplified by the playback amplifier 13, and then fed to the playbackequalizer 14 where signals having the f1 and f2 frequency spectra shownin FIG. 7 or 8 are extracted. The f1 test signal level is detected bythe f1 level detector 17, and the f2 test signal level is detected bythe f2 level detector 18 (step S4).

Information concerning the f1 and f2 test signal levels detected by thef1 level detector 17 and f2 level detector 18, respectively, is fed tothe tape simulator microcomputer 19. The tape simulator microcomputer 19then stores the detection level information into the third memory 22(step S5). The tape simulator microcomputer 19 also stores the type nameof the magnetic tape 9 into the first memory 20 (step S6) and thecharacteristic data of the same into the second memory 21 (step S7).

Using the characteristic data stored in the second memory 21, the tapesimulator microcomputer 19 controls the detail emphasis circuit 1 to setthe detail emphasis amount for the recording video signal at the optimumvalue (step S8). After the setting is complete, the moving terminal ofthe switch 5 is moved back to the fixed terminal "a" (step S8), and thetape is rewound to the index signal position, to complete the sequenceof test recording operations (step S10). For any magnetic tape 9 of thesame type name as displayed and set, incoming video signals areprocessed for dei-ail emphasis by the detail emphasis circuit 1 with theemphasis amount set at the optimum value (step S11).

After detail emphasis, the video signal is subjected to recordingpre-emphasis by the pre-emphasis circuit 2, followed by frequencymodulation by the FM modulator 3 for conversion into anfrequency-modulated wave.

The frequency-modulated wave is fed via the recording equalizer 4,switch 5, and recording amplifier 7 to the rotating magnetic head 8 forrecording on the magnetic tape 9. At the same time, the EE video signalis directed via the switch 23 to the screen display circuit 16 fromwhich the signal is output as a monitor signal.

Next, the operation in playback mode will be described. In playback, themoving terminal of the switch 23 is switched to the fixed terminal PBside. The playback signal played back from the magnetic tape 9 by therotating magnetic head 8 is amplified by the playback amplifier 13, andfed to the playback equalizer 14 and then to the playback signalprocessor 15 for conversion into a reproduced video signal. Thereproduced video signal is fed via the switch 23 to the screen displaycircuit 16. The screen display circuit 16 appends character data to thereproduced video signal for output as a reproduced video signal

In Embodiment 1, in order to prevent picture quality variations in therecord/playback video signals due to differences in magnetic tapecharacteristics, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 carries outsimulated recording so that the amount of emphasis that the detailemphasis circuit, 1 applies to the incoming video signal is set at theoptimum value to match the magnetic tape 9 used. This serves to preventmagnetic reversion and secure a sufficient signal-to-noise ratio evenfor a poor performance magnetic tape. In the case of a high-performancemagnetic tape, on the other hand, a picture of good signal-to-noiseratio can be obtained while securing a sufficient margin to magneticreversion even when the picture is recorded with finer details.

Embodiment 2

Embodiment 2 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of Embodiment 2 is identical to that of Embodiment 1 shownin FIG. 4. The following description deals with the operation ofEmbodiment 2. Embodiment 2 provides the same features as those describedin the foregoing Embodiment 1, the only difference being that inEmbodiment 2, the rehearsal recording is carried out with the magnetictape 9 held at a stop position.

FIG. 13 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations accordingto Embodiment 2. The operation of Embodiment 2 will be described withreference to the flowchart; the same processing steps as thoseillustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 12 are designated by the same stepnumbers as used in FIG. 12, and the following description focuses on theprocessing steps that are different from the flowchart of FIG. 12.

Referring to FIG. 13, in step S1, the f1 and f2 test signals aresupplied from the f1/f2 test signal generator 6 to the rotating head 8via the switch 5 and recording amplifier 7, as in step S1 in FIG. 12.Next, in step S12, the tape cassette is loaded, and rehearsal recordingis carried out with the tape held at a stop position. The rehearsalrecording and playback timings are shown in FIG. 11: FIG. 11(a) showsthe change-over timing of the rotating magnetic lead 8, and FIG. 11(b)shows tile timing in record/playback modes. As can be seen from FIGS.11(a) and 11(b), in step S13 the f1 and f2 test signals are recorded fora predetermined length of time, as in step S2 in Embodiment 1, i.e. forone revolution period of the rotating cylinder (the cylinder on whichthe rotating magnetic head 8 is mounted).

After the f1 and f2 test signals have been recorded, the f1 and f2 testsignals are played back to carry out tape simulation, as in step S3 inEmbodiment 1. The subsequent steps S4 through S9 are the same as thecorresponding steps in the flowchart of FIG. 12. After the processing instep S9, the same processing as in step S11 in FIG. 12 is performed.

In Embodiment 2, since the tape simulation is carried out with themagnetic tape 9 held at a stop position, the characteristic data of themagnetic tape 9 can be measured in a shorter period of time.

Embodiment 3

Embodiment 3 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 14is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations according toEmbodiment 3. The following describes the operation of Embodiment 3 withreference to the flowchart of FIG. 14. The configuration of Embodiment 3will not be described here as it is identical to that shown in FIG. 4for the foregoing Embodiments 1 and 2.

As shown in the flowchart of FIG. 14, in Embodiment 3, the operationsperformed in Embodiments 1 and 2, i.e., the operations illustrated inthe flowcharts of FIGS. 12 and 13, are repeated for different kinds oftapes, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 writing the type name of eachmagnetic tape 9 into the first memory 20 and storing the characteristicdata for each magnetic tape 9 into the second memory 21. Next, in stepS15, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 reads out the type names ofmagnetic tapes stored in the first memory 20, and in step S16, the tapesimulator microcomputer 19 outputs the type names of the magnetic tapesstored in the first, memory 20 onto a display means (not shown) fordisplay, as shown in FIG. 15.

Next, in step S17, the user views the type names of magnetic tapesdisplayed on the display means and operates keys to select the magnetictape to be used for video signal recording. In step S18, the selectionof the magnetic tape is determined by key operation, and then, in stepS19, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 displays the type name of theselected magnetic tape on the display means, as shown in FIG. 16.

Next, in step S20, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 reads thecharacteristic data of the magnetic tape from the second memory 21. Instep S21, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 controls the detailemphasis circuit 1 so as to match the magnetic tape selected by theuser's key operation and displayed on the display means. Next, in stepS22, the user inserts the selected tape cassette into the VTR to startvideo signal recording.

In Embodiment 3, magnetic tape simulation is repeated a plurality oftimes to store the type names and characteristic data of a plurality ofmagnetic tapes, and the tape simulator microcomputer 19 displays thestored data on the display means for the user to select the desiredmagnetic tape; thus, the amount of emphasis that the detail emphasiscircuit 1 applies to the video signal can be controlled at the optimumvalue for recording without having to carry out simulation over againfor the plurality of magnetic tapes.

Embodiment 4

Embodiment, 4 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of Embodiment 4 is identical to that of Embodiment 1 shownin FIG. 4, and therefore, the following description deals only with theoperation of Embodiment 4. FIG. 17 is a flowchart illustrating asequence of operations according to Embodiment 4. In step S23 in FIG.17, the manufacturer names and type names of frequently-used magnetictapes are stored in the first memory 20, and the characteristic data ofsuch magnetic tapes are stored in the second memory 21.

Next, in step S24, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 reads out thetype names of the magnetic tapes stored in the first memory 20, and instep S25, the tape simulator microcomputer displays the thus readouttype names of the plurality of magnetic tapes onto the display screen ofthe display means, as shogun in FIG. 15. In step S26, the user views thetype names of magnetic tapes displayed on the display screen andoperates keys to select the magnetic tape used for recording from amongthe magnetic tapes displayed on the display screen. Next, in step S27,it is determined whether the magnetic tape used is found in the tapemenu displayed as shown in FIG. 15; if the magnetic tape used is foundin the menu, the operation proceeds to step S28.

In step S28, the selection of the magnetic tape is determined by keyoperation, and in step S29, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 displaysthe type name of the selected magnetic tape on the display means asshown in FIG. 16.

Next, in step S30, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 reads out thecharacteristic data stored in the second memory 21 for the selectedmagnetic tape. In step S31, based on the characteristic data read out ofthe second memory 21, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 controls thedetail emphasis circuit 1 so that optimum conditions can be achieved forthe selected magnetic tape displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 16.Next, in step S32, the selected magnetic tape is loaded into the VTR forvideo signal recording.

In Embodiment 4, the manufacturer names and type names offrequently-used magnetic tapes are prestored in the first memory 20 andthe characteristic data of such tapes are prestored in the second memory21, and such prestored data are brought onto the screen when selectingthe magnetic tape used for recording. This arrangement permits theoptimum control of the amount of emphasis that the detail emphasiscircuit 1 applies to the video signal for recording, without having toredo the above-described simulation for the many magnetic tapes whosedata are already stored in memory.

Embodiment 5

Embodiment 5 of the present invention will be described below. Thisembodiment is identical in configuration to the one shown in FIG. 4 butdifferent in operation. The following describes the operation ofEmbodiment 5 with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 17. Embodiment 5 ischaracterized by the contents of the processing steps S33 through S35that branch from step S27 when the NO decision is made in that step.

That is, when the tape simulator microcomputer 19 determines in step S27that the magnetic tape used is not found in the menu, the processingroutine follows the NO branch of step S27, and proceeds to step S33where, as shown in FIG. 18, "NO RELEVANT TAPE" is selected from the tapemenu screen which is displayed when there is no relevant tape found.Next, in step S34, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 displays "RECORDUNDER INITIAL SET CONDITION" as shown on the display screen of FIG. 19when "NO RELEVANT TAPE IS REGISTERED" is selected. Then, in step S35,the tape simulator microcomputer 19 reads out the initial value datastored in the second memory 21, and in step S31, the tape simulatormicrocomputer 19 controls tile detail emphasis circuit 1 so that theamount of detail emphasis to be applied is set at such a value that doesnot cause problems for any magnetic tape whose data is stored in thesecond memory 21. The processing in step S32 is then performed, as inEmbodiment 4.

As described, in Embodiment 5, if the type name of the magnetic tapeused is not stored in the first memory 20, the tape simulatormicrocomputer 19 controls the detail emphasis circuit 1 so that theamount of detail emphasis to be applied is set at such a value that doesnot cause problems For any magnetic tape whose data is stored in thesecond memory 21. Accordingly, any kind of magnetic tape can be used forvideo signal recording.

Embodiment 6

Embodiment 6 of the present invention will be described blow. Theconfiguration of Embodiment 6 is also identical to that shown in FIG. 4,and therefore, the following description deals only with the operationof this embodiment. FIG. 20 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence ofoperations according to Embodiment 6. The operation of Embodiment 6 willbe described below with reference to FIG. 20. In step S36 in theflowchart of FIG. 20, when "NO RELEVANT TAPE" is selected in step S33 inthe flowchart of FIG. 17, the operation proceeds to step S37 in theflowchart of FIG. 20. In step S37, the tape simulator microcomputer 19displays on the display means a screen similar to the one shown in FIG.21.

Next, in step S38, selection is made between [A] RECORD UNDER INITIALSET CONDITION and [B] EXECUTE TAPE SIMULATION from the display screenshown in FIG. 21. If it is determined in step S39 that [B] EXECUTE TAPESIMULATION has been selected, the tape simulation of Embodiment 1 iscarried out. That is, the processing routine shown in the flowchart ofFIG. 12 or 13 is followed in step S40.

Thus, in Embodiment 6, when the magnetic tape used is not registered,the magnetic tape simulation of Embodiment 1 or Embodiment 2 is carriedout to control the amount of emphasis that the detail emphasis circuit 1applies to the video signal for recording.

Embodiment 7

Embodiment 7 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of Embodiment 7 is also identical to that shown in FIG. 4,and therefore, the following description deals only with the operationof this embodiment. In Embodiment 7, the tape simulation of Embodiment 2is carried out when EXECUTE TAPE SIMULATION is selected in step S39 inthe operation of Embodiment 6 shown in the flowchart of FIG. 20. Thus,in Embodiment 7 also, the amount of emphasis that the detail emphasiscircuit 1 applied to the video signal for recording can be controlled ina shorter period of time.

Embodiment 8

Embodiment 8 of the present invention will be described below. InEmbodiment 8, a frequency doubler 24 for the f1 test signal and an adder25 are combined, as shown in FIG. 5, to constitute the f1/f2 test signalgenerator 6 described in Embodiment 1. Stated another way, FIG. 5 is ablock diagram showing the internal configuration of the f1/f2 testsignal generator 6. The f1 test signal is a signal available within theVTR, and more specifically, a signal of the subcarrier frequency of thechroma signals. The f1 test signal is input to the frequency doubler 24where the frequency is doubled, the output thereof then being suppliedas an input to the adder 25.

The f1 test signal is also input directly to the adder 25. Accordingly,the adder 25 adds the f1 test signal to the output f2 of the frequencydoubler 24 to output the f1 test signal and the f2 test signal. The f1and f2 test signals are then applied to the fixed terminal "b" of theswitch 5 shown in FIG. 4.

Next, the operation of Embodiment 8 will be described. Embodiment 8 isconcerned with an example in which a high-band-compatible magnetic tapeis used for test simulation with a plurality of test signals. The f1test signal of the subcarrier frequency of the chroma signals availablewithin the VTR is input to the frequency doubler 24 as well as to theadder 25. When the f1 test signal is input, the frequency doubler 24outputs a signal (f2) whose frequency is twice that of the input, thesignal f2 then being input to the adder 25. The adder 25 then adds thef1 test signal to the output signal of the frequency doubler 24, toproduce the f1 test signal and the f2 test signal.

Embodiment 9

Embodiment 9 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 6 isa block diagram showing an alternative configuration of the f1/f2 testsignal generator 6. Embodiment 9 is concerned with an example in which alowband-compatible magnetic tape is used for test simulation with aplurality of test signals. In FIG. 6, the f1 test signal of thesubcarrier frequency of the chroma signals available within the VTR isinput to a divide-by-2 circuit 26 as well as to an adder 25. Thedivide-by-2 circuit 26 divides the f1 test signal by 2 to produce anoutput (f2) which is supplied as an input to the adder 25. The adder 25adds the f1 test signal to the output signal of the divide-by-2 circuit26, to produce the f1 test signal and the f2 test signal. The f1 and f2test signals are applied to the fixed terminal "b" of the switch 5 shownin FIG. 4.

As is apparent from Embodiments 8 and 9, whether the magnetic tape usedis a highband-compatible tape or a low-band-compatible tape, theinvention allows tape simulation that matches the purpose of themagnetic tape used.

Embodiment 10

In the foregoing Embodiments 8 and 9, the subcarrier frequency of thechroma signals available within the VTR is used as the f1 test signal,but the present invention is not limited to the above-describedarrangement. For example, a signal in the vicinity of 4 MHz availablewithin the VTR, such as the clock signal of a microcomputer, may be usedas the f1 test signal.

Embodiment 11

Embodiment 11 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of Embodiment 11 is identical to that shown in FIG. 4, andtherefore, the following description deals only with the operation ofthis embodiment. The flowchart of FIG. 20 is again used to explain theoperation of Embodiment 11. In Embodiment 11, after the tape simulationof Embodiment 6 or 7 is carried out, a screen similar to the one shownin FIG. 22 is displayed in step S41 prompting for the registration ofthe manufacturer name and type name of the magnetic tape. In step S42,the manufacturer name and type name are entered on the screen and storedin the first memory 20, and the characteristic data of the magnetic tapeis added to the data stored in the second memory 21, thus adding newdata to the list of manufacturer names and type names of magnetic tapesprestored in the first memory 20 and second memory 21, as shown on thescreen of FIG. 23 which displays data newly registered after the tapesimulation.

After the tape simulation, the manufacturer name and type name of themagnetic tape are stored, as described above, after which in step S43the tape simulator microcomputer 19 reads the characteristic data of thesimulated magnetic tape from the second memory 21. Then, in step S44,the tape simulator microcomputer 19 controls the detail emphasis circuit1 so as to match the selected magnetic tape.

Next, in step S45, the selected tape cassette is loaded into the VTR forvideo signal recording.

In the flowchart of FIG. 20, if [B] EXECUTE TAPE SIMULATION is notselected, then the operation proceeds to step S46 where the tapesimulator microcomputer 19 displays "RECORD UNDER INITIAL CONDITION" onthe display means as shown in FIG. 19, and in the next step S47, thetape simulator microcomputer 19 reads out the initial valuecharacteristic data stored in the second memory 21. Based on the initialvalue characteristic data, the subsequent steps S44 and S45 are carriedout.

In Embodiment 11, the results of the tape simulation of the magnetictape and the manufacturer name and type name of the magnetic tape areadded to the data previously stored in memory. This eliminates the needfor tape simulation when the same tape is selected again in future.

Embodiment 12

Embodiment 12 of the present invention will be described below. InEmbodiment 12, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 reorders the tapemenu displayed on the display means so that the last used magnetic tape,which is expected to be used most frequently, appears at the top of themenu, such as in the tape menu screen shown in FIG. 24 in which the lastdesignated tape is displayed at the top of the menu, as in Embodiments 3and 4, or in the tape menu screen shown in FIG. 25 in which the tapeused for tape simulation is displayed at the top of the menu, as inEmbodiment 11.

Thus, in Embodiment 12, when the tape menu screen is displayed, the lastused magnetic tape appears at the top of the menu displayed on thescreen; thus, the magnetic tapes of higher probabilities of use aredisplayed at higher positions on the menu for easier selection.

Embodiment 13

Embodiment 13 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 26is a block diagram showing the configuration of Embodiment 13. In FIG.26, the same or corresponding parts to those shown in FIG. 4 aredesignated by the same reference numerals to avoid repeated explanationof such parts, and the following description focuses on differences fromthe configuration of FIG. 4. The configuration shown in FIG. 26 isdifferent from that shown in FIG. 4 in that a recording equalizerfrequency correction circuit 27 is added; otherwise, the configurationis the same as that of FIG. 4. The recording equalizer frequencycorrection circuit 27 is provided to control the frequencycharacteristic of the recording equalizer 4 under the control of thetape simulator microcomputer 19. In the configuration of FIG. 26, thetape simulator microcomputer 19 does not control the amount of emphasisthat the detail emphasis circuit 1 applies.

FIG. 27 is a diagram showing the standard frequency characteristic ofthe recording equalizer 4; FIG. 28 is a diagram showing the outputfrequency characteristics of the playback head for the previouslydescribed tapes A and B when the recording equalizer 4 is set at thestandard frequency characteristic; FIG. 29 is a diagram showingreproduced video frequency characteristics with the playback head havingthe frequency characteristics shown in FIG. 28; FIG. 30 is a diagramshowing the corrected frequency characteristics of the recordingequalizer corrected for the tapes A and B by the recording equalizerfrequency correction circuit 27; and FIG. 31 is a diagram showingreproduced video frequency characteristics after correction of therecording equalizer 4 corrected as shown in FIG. 30.

Next, the operation of Embodiment 13 will be described. Tuning buttons(not shown) are provided on the front panel of the VTR body. Beforerecording, i.e., after a tape cassette has been loaded into the VTR, theuser operates these tuning buttons in accordance with which a sequenceof operations illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 32 are performedunder control of the tape simulator microcomputer 19 to detect theoptimum recording conditions for the magnetic tape.

In the flowchart of FIG. 32, the same processing steps as those in FIG.12 which shows the sequence of operations in Embodiment 1 are designatedby the same step numbers as those used in FIG. 12, to avoid repeatedexplanation of such steps. In FIG. 32, the steps S1 through S7 are thesame as the corresponding steps shown in FIG. 12, and therefore, thesesteps are not described here. In FIG. 32, after the characteristic dataof the magnetic tape 9 has been stored by the tape simulatormicrocomputer 19 into the second memory 21 in step S7, the tapesimulator microcomputer 19 in step S48 reads out the data stored in thesecond memory 21 concerning the result of the simulation of the magnetictape 9, and performs operations on the thus readout characteristic datato control the recording equalizer frequency correction circuit 27. Therecording equalizer frequency correction circuit 27 then controls thefrequency characteristic of the recording equalizer 4 to set thefrequency characteristic at the optimum value.

After the frequency characteristic of the recording equalizer 4 iscontrolled in step S48, the same steps S9 and S10 as described in theflowchart of FIG. 12 are followed. Thereafter, in step S49, thefrequency characteristic of the recording equalizer 4 is controlled atthe same value for all magnetic tapes whose type name displayed is thesame as that of the magnetic tape whose data has just been stored inmemory.

In Embodiment 13, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 carries outsimulated recording on the magnetic tape 9 and sets the frequencycharacteristic of the recording equalizer 4 at the optimum value. Thishas the effect of preventing magnetic reversion and producing a pictureof good S/N ratio even when a poor performance magnetic tape is used forrecording.

Embodiment 14

Embodiment 14 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of this embodiment is identical to that of Embodiment 13shown in FIG. 26, and therefore, the following description deals onlywith the operation of this embodiment. FIG. 33 is a flowchart showing asequence of operations according to this embodiment. Embodiment 14provides the same features as those described in the foregoingEmbodiment 13, the only difference being that in Embodiment 14, therehearsal recording is carried out with the magnetic tape 9 held at astop position.

In the flowchart of FIG. 33, after carrying out the processing in stepS1, as in the flowchart of FIG. 32, the tape cassette is loaded into theVTR in step S50 and rehearsal recording is carried out with the magnetictape 9 held at a stop position. Next, in step S51, playback is performedafter carrying out rehearsal recording For a predetermined length oftime. The timings of rehearsal recording and playback performed with themagnetic tape 9 held at a stop position have already been described inconnection with FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b); as described in the explanationof Embodiment 1, the f1 and f2 test signals are recorded for onerevolution period of the rotating cylinder, as shown in FIGS. 11(a) and11(b), and after recording, simulation is carried out by replaying thef1 and f2 test signals. In FIGS. 11(a) and 11(b), the test signalrecording period is made equal to one revolution period of the rotatingcylinder, but the recording period may be made longer than onerevolution period of the rotating cylinder as necessary.

After carrying out the processing in step S51, steps S4 through S7, stepS48, step S9, step S10, and step S49 are followed in this order, as inthe flowchart of FIG. 32.

In Embodiment 14, since rehearsal recording is performed with themagnetic tape 9 held at a stop position, the characteristic data of themagnetic tape can be measured in a shorter period of time.

Embodiment 15

Embodiment 15 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of Embodiment 15 is identical to that of Embodiments 13and 14 shown in FIG. 26. The operation of Embodiment 15 will now bedescribed with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 34. In step S52in the flowchart of FIG. 34, the processing operations shown in theflowcharts of FIGS. 32 and 33 are repeated for different kinds ofmagnetic tapes, storing the type name of each magnetic tape into thefirst memory 20 and the characteristic data of each magnetic tape intothe second memory 21. Next, in step S53, the tape simulatormicrocomputer 19 reads out the type names of magnetic tapes stored inthe first memory 20, and in step S54, the tape simulator microcomputer19 displays a tape menu screen, such as shown in FIG. 15, on the displaymeans.

In step S55, the magnetic tape used is selected by key operation fromthe menu screen shown in FIG. 15. Next, in step S56, the selection ofthe magnetic tape is determined, and in step S57, the tape simulatormicrocomputer 19 displays the type name of the selected magnetic tape,as shown in FIG. 16. In step S58, the tape simulator microcomputer 19reads out the characteristic data of the selected magnetic tape from thesecond memory 21. In step S59, the tape simulator microcomputer 19controls the recording equalizer frequency correction circuit 27 so asto match the selected magnetic tape; the recording equalizer frequencycorrection circuit 27 then controls the frequency characteristic of therecording equalizer 4 at the optimum value for the selected tapedisplayed on the screen. Next, in step S60, the tape cassette containingthe selected magnetic tape is loaded into the VTR to start the recordingof the video signal.

In Embodiment 15, simulation is repeated a plurality of times to storethe type names and characteristic data of a plurality of magnetic tapesinto the first memory 20 and second memory 21, respectively. The storeddata are then displayed on the screen for selection of the desiredmagnetic tape, based on which the frequency characteristic of therecording equalizer 4 is controlled. The frequency characteristic of therecording equalizer can thus be controlled at the optimum value.

Embodiment 16

Embodiment 16 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of this embodiment is identical to that of Embodiments 13to 15 shown in FIG. 26, and therefore, the following description dealsonly with the operation of this embodiment. FIG. 35 is a flowchartillustrating a sequence of operations according to Embodiment 16; thisflowchart corresponds to the flowchart of FIG. 17 which shows controlflow in Embodiments 4 and 5.

In FIG. 35, the same processing steps as illustrated in FIG. 17 aredesignated by the same step numbers. In step S23 in FIG. 35, themanufacturer names and type names of frequently-used magnetic tapes arestored in the first memory 20, and the characteristic data for themagnetic tapes whose type names have been stored in the first memory 20are stored in the second memory 21. Next, in step S24, the tapesimulator microcomputer 19 reads out the type names of the magnetictapes stored in the first memory 20, and in step S25, the tape simulatormicrocomputer 19 displays the thus readout type names of the magnetictapes on the display screen of the display means in the form of a tapemenu screen such as shown in FIG. 15.

Next, in step S26, the magnetic tape used is selected by key operationfrom among the type names shown in the tape menu. If, in step S27, theselected magnetic tape is found in the tape menu displayed as shown inFIG. 15, then in step S28 the selection of the magnetic tape isdetermined by key operation. In step S29, the tape simulatormicrocomputer 19 displays the type name of the selected magnetic tape onthe screen as shown in FIG. 16.

Next, in step S30, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 reads out thecharacteristic data stored in the second memory 21 for the selectedmagnetic tape. In step S61, based on the characteristic data read out ofthe second memory 21, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 controls therecording equalizer frequency correction circuit 27 so as to match theselected magnetic tape. The recording equalizer frequency correctioncircuit 27 then controls the frequency characteristic of the recordingequalizer 4 for FM signal recording. Next, in step S32, the tapecassette containing the selected magnetic tape is loaded into the VTR tostart the recording of the video signal.

In Embodiment 16, the manufacturer names and type names offrequently-used magnetic tapes and the characteristic data for suchmagnetic tapes are prestored in the first memory 20 and second memory21, respectively, and such prestored data are brought onto the screenwhen selecting the magnetic tape used for recording. With thisarrangement, the frequency characteristic of the recording equalizer 4can be set at the optimum value without having to redo tape simulationfor the plurality of magnetic tapes whose data are already stored inmemory.

Embodiment 17

Embodiment 17 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of Embodiment 17 is identical to that shown in FIG. 26,and therefore, the following description deals only with the operationof Embodiment 17. A part of FIG. 35 shows control flow according to thisembodiment. In the flowchart of FIG. 35, if, in step S27, the magnetictape used for recording is not found in the tape menu screen of FIG. 15,the processing routine follows the NO branch of step S27, and in stepS33, the tape menu screen, as shown in FIG. 18, is displayed by keyoperation when there is no relevant tape, and "NO RELEVANT TAPE" isselected. Then, the operation proceeds to step S34.

In step S34, "RECORD UNDER INITIAL SET CONDITION" is displayed on thescreen, as shown in FIG. 19, that is displayed when "NO RELEVANT TAPE"is selected, and in the next step S35, the tape simulator microcomputer19 reads out the initial value data stored in the second memory 21. Theoperation then proceeds to step S61. In step S61, based on the initialvalue data, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 controls the recordingequalizer frequency correction circuit 27 so that the frequencycharacteristic of the recording equalizer 4 for FM signal recording iscontrolled at such a value that does not cause problems for any magnetictape whose data is stored in the second memory 21.

In this manner, the recording equalizer frequency correction circuit 27corrects the frequency characteristic of the recording equalizer 4 sothat the video signal can be recorded without causing problems for anymagnetic tape whose data is stored in the second memory 21. Next, instep S32, the tape cassette containing the selected magnetic tape isloaded into the VTR to start the recording of the video signal.

In Embodiment 17, if the type name of the magnetic tape selected for useis not stored in the first memory 20, the frequency characteristic ofthe recording equalizer 4 is controlled at such a value that does notcause problems for any magnetic tape whose characteristic data is storedin the second memory 21. Accordingly, the video signal can be recordedin optimum conditions on any kind of magnetic tape.

Embodiment 18

Embodiment 18 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of this embodiment is also identical to that shown in FIG.26, and therefore, the following description deals only with theoperation of this embodiment. FIG. 36 is a flowchart illustrating asequence of operations according to Embodiment 18. In step S62, when "NORELEVANT TAPE" is selected in the flowchart of FIG. 35 from the tapemenu screen shown in FIG. 18 which is displayed when there is norelevant tape, then the operation proceeds to step S63 in the flowchartof FIG. 36. In step S63, a screen similar to the one shown in FIG. 21 isdisplayed, which screen is displayed when "NO RELEVANT TAPE" isselected. In the next step S64, selection is made between [A] RECORDUNDER INITIAL SET CONDITION and [B] EXECUTE TAPE SIMULATION from thedisplay screen shown in FIG. 21.

If it is determined in step S65 that [B] EXECUTE TAPE SIMULATION hasbeen selected, then the processing shown in the flowchart of FIG. 32 iscarried out in step S66, that is, the tape simulation of Embodiment 13is performed. When the tape simulation is completed, a screen similar tothe one shown in FIG. 22 is displayed in step S67 prompting for theregistration of the manufacturer name and type name of the magnetictape. In step S68, the manufacturer name and type name of the magnetictape are stored in the first memory 20.

Next, in step S69, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 reads out thecharacteristic data of the simulated magnetic tape from the secondmemory 21, and in step S70, based on the thus readout characteristicdata, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 controls the recordingequalizer frequency correction circuit 27 so as to match the selectedmagnetic tape. The recording equalizer frequency correction circuit 27then controls the frequency characteristic of the recording equalizer 4so that the selected magnetic tape can record the video signal inoptimum conditions.

In the above step S65, if [B] EXECUTE TAPE SIMULATION is not selected,the processing routine follows the NO branch of step S65, and in stepS72, "RECORD UNDER INITIAL SET CONDITION" is displayed on the screen, asshown in FIG. 19, which screen is displayed when "NO RELEVANT TAPE" isselected. In step S73, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 reads out theinitial value data stored in the second memory 21, after which theprocessing operations in steps S70 and S71 are carried out.

In Embodiment 18, if the magnetic tape selected for use is notregistered, the magnetic tape simulation of Embodiment 13 is carried outto control the frequency characteristic of the recording equalizer 4.Accordingly, the video signal can be recorded with optimum recordingconditions.

Embodiment 19

Embodiment 19 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of this embodiment is also identical to that shown in FIG.29, and therefore, the Following description deals only with theoperation of this embodiment. In Embodiment 19, when [B] EXECUTE TAPESIMULATION is selected in step S65 in the flowchart of FIG. 36 inEmbodiment 18, the tape simulation of Embodiment 14 is carried out instep S66. That is, the processing operations shown in the flowchart ofFIG. 33 are performed.

In Embodiment 19, if the magnetic tape selected for use is notregistered, the magnetic tape simulation of Embodiment 14 is carried outto control the frequency characteristic of the recording equalizer 4.Accordingly, the video signal can be recorded with optimum recordingconditions.

Embodiment 20

Embodiment 20 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of this embodiment is also identical to that shown in FIG.29, and therefore, the following description deals only with theoperation of this embodiment. In Embodiment 20, after the tapesimulation is carried out in Embodiment 18 or 19, a screen similar tothe one shown in FIG. 22 is displayed in step S67 in the flowchart ofFIG. 36 prompting for the registration of the manufacturer name and typename of the magnetic tape on which rehearsal recording has beenperformed. In step S68, the manufacturer name and type name of themagnetic tape are entered on this screen to store them into the firstmemory 20, and the characteristic data of the magnetic tape is added tothe data stored in the second memory 21, thus adding to the list ofmagnetic tapes stored in memory, as shown on the screen of FIG. 23 whichdisplays data newly registered after the tape simulation.

In Embodiment 20, after tape simulation, the manufacturer name and typename of the magnetic tape are stored in the first memory 20 and thecharacteristic data of the magnetic tape is added to the data stored inthe second memory 21, thus adding to the list of magnetic tapes storedin memory and providing a wide selection of magnetic tapes for optimumrecording of the video signal while eliminating the need for redoing thetape simulation for such magnetic tapes.

Embodiment 21

Embodiment 21 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of this embodiment is identical to that shown in FIG. 26,and therefore, the following description deals only with the operationof this embodiment. In Embodiment 21, the tape menu is reordered so thatthe last used magnetic tape, which is expected to be used mostfrequently, appears at the top of the menu, such as in the tape menuscreen shown in FIG. 24 in which the last designated tape is displayedat the top of the menu as in Embodiments 15 and 16, or in the tape menuscreen shown in FIG. 25 in which the magnetic tape used for simulationis displayed at the top of the menu as in Embodiment 20.

Thus, in Embodiment 21, since the tape menu is reordered so that thelast used magnetic tape, which is expected to be used most frequently,is displayed at the top of the menu, magnetic tapes of higherprobabilities of use are displayed at higher positions on the menu foreasier selection.

Embodiment 22

Embodiment 22 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 37is a block diagram showing the configuration of Embodiment 22. In FIG.37, the same or corresponding parts as those shown in FIG. 4 aredesignated by the same reference numerals to avoid repeated explanationof such parts, and the following description focuses on differences fromthe configuration of FIG. 4. As can be seen from the comparison betweenFIG. 37 and FIG. 4, the configuration of FIG. 37 is different from thatof FIG. 4 in that a recording current value setting circuit 28 is added;in Embodiment 22, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 does not controlthe detail emphasis circuit 1, but instead, controls the recordingcurrent value setting circuit 28 which in turn controls the gain of therecording amplifier 7. In other respects, the configuration of thisembodiment is the same as that shown in FIG. 4.

FIG. 38 is a recording current characteristic diagram showing theplayback head output versus the recording current for the f1 and f2 testsignals recorded on the previously mentioned tapes A and B. FIG. 39 is arecording current characteristic diagram showing the recording currentcharacteristic after the f1 and f2 test signals are passed through therecording equalizer 4 having the standard frequency characteristic shownin FIG. 27.

The operation of this embodiment will now be described. Tuning buttons(not shown) are provided on the front panel of the VTR body. Beforerecording, i.e., after a tape cassette has been loaded into the VTR, theuser operates these tuning buttons in accordance with which a sequenceof operations illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 41 are performedunder control of the tape simulator microcomputer 19 to detect theoptimum recording conditions for the magnetic tape. The operation ofthis embodiment will be described in accordance with the flowchart ofFIG. 41 wherein the same processing steps as those in FIG. 12 whichshows control flow in Embodiment 1 are designated by the same stepnumbers as used in FIG. 12, and explanation of such processing steps arenot given in the following description.

In step S1 in the flowchart of FIG. 41, at the start of rehearsalrecording the moving terminal of the switch 5 is set to contact thefixed terminal "b" so that the f1 and f2 test signals from the f1/f2test signal generator 6 are applied to the fixed terminal "b". Next, instep S74, the tape cassette is loaded into the VTR, and the tapesimulator microcomputer 19 controls the recording current value settingcircuit 28 by which the gain of the recording amplifier 7 is graduallyincreased or decreased to vary the recording current value for theplurality of test signals fed from the f1/f2 test signal generator 6. Atthe same time, in correspondence to the change of the recording currentvalue, the CTL pulse record/playback circuit 11 under control of thesystem control microcomputer 12 generates an index signal correspondingto the recording current value and the index signal is thus recorded onthe magnetic tape 9 by the control head 10 with the prescribed timing.

Next, in step S3, after recording for a length of time necessary for themeasurement of the magnetic tape performance, the magnetic tape 9 isrewound to the recording start index signal position, and played back.The f1 and f2 test signals played back in this step are amplified by theplayback amplifier 13 and fed to the playback equalizer 14 where signalshaving the frequency spectra f1 and f2 shown in FIG. 7 or 8 areextracted. In the next step S75, the f1 test signal level is detected bythe f1 level detector 17 and the f2 test signal level detected by the f2level detector 18. At the same time, the index signal indicating therecording current value that was applied for the recording is read fromthe control track on the magnetic tape 9 by the control head 10, andsupplied, via the CTL pulse record/playback circuit 11 and the systemcontrol microcomputer 12, to the tape simulator microcomputer 19.

The tape simulator microcomputer 19 is also supplied with the f1 and f2test signal levels detected by the f1 level detector 17 and f2 leveldetector 18, respectively. In step S76, the tape simulator microcomputer19 stores the f1 and f2 test signal levels into the third memory 22along with the recording current change read from the control trackdata.

When the above simulation is completed, the recording currentcharacteristics for the f1 and f2 test signals, stored in the thirdmemory 22, will be as shown in FIG. 38. If frequency characteristiccorrections are made by the recording equalizer 4, the obtained datawill be as shown in FIG. 39, i.e., the recording current characteristicsafter passing through the recording equalizer of standard frequencycharacteristic. For example, in FIG. 39, the O.R.C. value for tape A isIA, and the O.R.C. value for tape B is IB.

Next, in step S6, the type name of the measured magnetic tape 9 isentered which is then stored by the tape simulator microcomputer 19 intothe first memory 20, and in step S7, the O.R.C. value for the magnetictape 9 is stored into the second memory 21. In the next step S77, thetape simulator microcomputer 19 performs operations on the data storedin the second memory 21, i.e. on the result of the simulation of themagnetic tape 9, and thereby controls the recording current valuesetting circuit 28. The recording current value setting circuit 28 thencontrols the gain of the recording amplifier 7 at the optimum value forFM signal recording.

Then, the same steps S9 and S10 as illustrated in the flowchart of FIG.12 are followed. Thereafter, in step S78, the gain of the recordingamplifier 7 is controlled at the same value for all magnetic tapes whosetype name displayed is the same as that of the magnetic tape whose datahas just been stored.

As described, in Embodiment 22, the tape simulator microcomputer 19controls the recording current value setting circuit 28 which in turncontrols the gain of the recording amplifier 7 to vary the recordingcurrent value for the f1 and f2 test signals for recording on themagnetic tape 9, and in correspondence to the change of the recordingcurrent value, an index signal is recorded. The magnetic tape 9 isrewound to play back the recorded f1 and f2 test signals the levels ofwhich are then stored in the third memory 22 along with their associatedindex signal. Based on the data stored in the second memory 21concerning the result of the simulation of the magnetic tape 9, the tapesimulator microcomputer 19 controls the recording current value settingcircuit 28 to control the gain of the recording amplifier 7 at theoptimum value. This optimizes video signal recording conditions for theselected magnetic tape.

Embodiment 23

Embodiment 23 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of Embodiment 23 is identical to that shown in FIG. 37,and therefore, the following description deals only with the operationof this embodiment with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 43.Embodiment 23 provides the same features as those described inEmbodiment 22, the only difference being that in Embodiment 23, therehearsal recording is carried out with the magnetic tape 9 held at astop position.

FIG. 42 shows the timings of rehearsal recording and playback that areperformed with the magnetic tape 9 held at a stop position: FIG. 42(a)shows the change-over timing of the rotating magnetic head 8; FIG. 42(b)shows the record/playback mode change-over timing corresponding to thechange-over timing of the rotating magnetic head 8; FIG. 42(c) shows thevariation of the recording current value in record mode; FIG. 42(d)shows the variation of the f1 test signal level in playback mode; andFIG. 42(e) shows the variation of the f2 test signal level in playbackmode.

The operation of Embodiment 23 will now be described. In the flowchartof FIG. 43, the same processing steps as those in the flowchart of FIG.12 are designated by the same step numbers. First, in step S1 in theflowchart of FIG. 43, the moving terminal of the switch 5 is set tocontact the fixed terminal "b" to which the f1 and f2 test signals areapplied from the f1/f2 test signal generator 6.

Next, in step S79, the tape cassette is loaded into the VTR, andrecording of the f1 and f2 test signals is started with the magnetictape 9 held at a stop position. The recording current is graduallyincreased or decreased, as shown in FIG. 42, the timing beingsynchronized with the change-over timing of the rotating magnetic head8. That is, the test signals are recorded while varying the recordingcurrent as shown in FIG. 42(c), during one revolution period of therotating cylinder.

After the recording is completed, that is, after the rotating cylindermakes at least one revolution for recording, the f1 and f2 test signalsare played back in step S80. Next, in step S4, the f1 and f2 testsignals are passed through the playback amplifier 13 and the playbackequalizer 14, and then fed to the f1 level detector 17 and the f2 leveldetector 18 where the levels of the respective test signals aredetected. The detector outputs are supplied to the tape simulatormicrocomputer 19. In step S81, the tape simulator microcomputer 19stores into the third memory 22 the data representing the variations inthe playback levels of the f1 and f2 test signals, shown in FIGS. 42(d)and 42(e), measured along the time with the rotating magnetic headchange-over timing shown in FIG. 42(a) as the start point.

Using the measured data, the tape simulator microcomputer finds elapsedtimes, t1L, t1R, t2L, and t2R, elapsed from the rotating magnetic headchange-over timing until the playback level becomes optimum, and fromthese elapsed times, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 calculateselapsed times, t1 and t2, elapsed from the rotating magnetic headchange-over timing, and the recording current, value O.R.C. at each ofthe elapsed times.

Next, in step S6, the type name of the magnetic tape 9 is entered on thescreen and stored in the first memory 20, and in step S7, the O.R.C.data of the magnetic tape 9 is stored in the second memory 21. In thenext step S82, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 performs operationson the simulation result of the magnetic tape 9 stored in the secondmemory 21, and thereby controls the recording current value settingcircuit 28 to set the gain of the recording amplifier 7 at the optimumvalue for FM signal recording.

In FIG. 42 the recording period of the f1 and f2 test, signals is madeequal to one revolution period of the rotating cylinder, but therecording period may be made longer than one revolution period of therotating cylinder as necessary.

Next, in step S9, the moving terminal of the switch 5 is moved back tothe fixed terminal "a" side. Thereafter, in step S78, the gain of therecording amplifier 7 is controlled at the same value for all magnetictapes whose type name displayed is the same as the magnetic tape whosedata has just been stored.

In Embodiment 23, since rehearsal recording is carried out with themagnetic tape 9 held at a stop position, the characteristic data of themagnetic tape can be measured in a shorter period of time.

Embodiment 24

Embodiment 24 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of this embodiment is identical to that shown in FIG. 37,and therefore, the following description deals only with the operationof this embodiment with reference to the flowchart shown in FIG. 44. Ascan be seen from the flowchart of FIG. 44, in Embodiment 24 theprocessing operations described in Embodiments 22 and 23 are repeated anumber of times in step S83, thereby successively storing the type namesof magnetic tapes into the first memory and their associatedcharacteristic data into the second memory 21. Next, in step S84, thetape simulator microcomputer 19 reads out the type names of magnetictapes stored in the first memory 20, and in step 285, displays a tapemenu screen, such as shown in FIG. 15, on the display means. In stepS86, the type name of the magnetic tape used is selected by keyoperation from among the type names of magnetic tapes displayed on thedisplay means.

Further, in step S87, the selection of the magnetic tape used isdetermined by key operation, and in step S88, the type name of theselected magnetic tape is displayed on the display means as shown inFIG. 16. In the next step S89, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 readsout the characteristic data of the magnetic tape from the second memory21. In step S90, based on the thus readout characteristic data, the tapesimulator microcomputer 19 controls the recording current value settingcircuit 28 so as to match the selected magnetic tape. The recordingcurrent value setting circuit 28 then controls the gain of the recordingamplifier 7 at the optimum value for the selected magnetic tapedisplayed on the screen.

Next, in step S91, the tape cassette containing the selected magnetictape is loaded into the VTR to start the recording of the video signal.

Thus, in Embodiment 24, rehearsal recording of the f1 and f2 testsignals is repeated to successively store the type names of magnetictapes into the first memory 20, from which a particular magnetic tape isselected, and the tape simulator microcomputer 19 reads out thecharacteristic data of the selected magnetic tape from the second memory21 and thereby controls the recording current value setting circuit 28to control the gain of the recording amplifier 7 for optimum recordingon the selected magnetic tape displayed on the screen.

Embodiment 25

Embodiment 25 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of this embodiment is also identical to that shown in FIG.37, and therefore, the following description deals only with theoperation of this embodiment. FIG. 45 is a flowchart illustrating asequence of operations according to Embodiment 25. In step S92 in FIG.45, the manufacturer names and type names of a plurality of magnetictapes are stored into the first memory 20 and their associatedcharacteristic data into the second memory 21. Next, in step S93, thetape simulator microcomputer 19 reads the type names of the plurality ofmagnetic tapes from the first memory 20, and in step S94, displays atape menu screen, similar to the one shown in FIG. 15, showing the typenames of the plurality of magnetic tapes.

Next, in step S95, the magnetic tape used for recording is selected bykey operation from among the plurality of magnetic tapes displayed onthe tape menu screen, and in step S96, it is determined whether theselected magnetic tape is found in the tape menu; if the selectedmagnetic tape is Found in the tape menu, the operation proceeds to stepS97 where the selection of the magnetic tape is determined by keyoperation.

When the selection of the magnetic tape is determined, the type name ofthe magnetic tape selected from the tape menu is displayed on the screenof the display means, as shown in FIG. 16, and the operation proceeds tostep S99. In step S99, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 reads thecharacteristic data of the selected magnetic tape from the second memory21, and in step S100, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 controls therecording current value setting circuit 28 so as to match the selectedmagnetic tape, thereby controlling the gain of the recording amplifier 7at the optimum value for the selected magnetic tape whose type name isdisplayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 16.

After the gain of the recording amplifier 7 is controlled in thismanner, the tape cassette containing the selected magnetic tape isloaded into the VTR in step S101, For recording of the video signal.

Thus, in Embodiment 25, the manufacturer names and type names offrequently-used magnetic tapes are prestored in the first memory 20 andthe characteristic data of such magnetic tapes are prestored in thesecond memory 21; the type names of such magnetic tapes are displayed onthe screen, from which the magnetic tape used for recording is selected,and the characteristic data of the selected magnetic tape is read out ofthe second memory 21, based on which data the tape simulatormicrocomputer 19 controls the recording current value setting circuit 28to control the gain of the recording amplifier 7 so that optimumrecording can be made on the selected magnetic tape.

Embodiment 26

Embodiment 26 of the present invention will be described below. Thisembodiment also has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 37, andtherefore, the following description deals only with the operation ofthis embodiment with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 45. In theflowchart of FIG. 45, if it is determined in step S96 that the magnetictape used for recording is not found in the tape menu screen of FIG. 15displayed in step S94, the processing routine follows the NO branch ofstep 96 and proceeds to carry out steps S102 through S104. Embodiment 26is concerned with the processing operations carried out in these steps.

In step S102, "NO RELEVANT TAPE" is selected from the tape menu screenshown in FIG. 18 which is displayed when there is no relevant tape. Instep 103, "RECORD UNDER INITIAL SET CONDITION" is displayed on thescreen shown in FIG. 19 which is displayed when "NO RELEVANT TAPE" isselected. Then, in step S104, the tape simulator microcomputer 19controls the recording current setting circuit 28 to control the gain ofthe recording amplifier 7 at such a value that does not cause problemsfor any magnetic tape whose characteristic data is stored in the secondmemory 21. Thereafter, the processing operations in steps S100 and S101are performed.

Thus, in Embodiment 26, when the magnetic tape used for recording is notfound in the tape menu screen, the tape simulator microcomputer 19controls the recording current value setting circuit 28 to control thegain of the recording amplifier 7 at such a value that does not causeproblems for any magnetic tape whose characteristic data is stored inthe second memory 21. This ensures optimum recording of the video signalon any magnetic tape even if the data of the magnetic tape is not storedin memory.

Embodiment 27

Embodiment 27 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of this embodiment is also identical to that shown in FIG.37, and therefore, the following description deals only with theoperation of this embodiment with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 46.In step S105 in the flowchart of FIG. 46, when "NO RELEVANT TAPE" isselected from the screen display of FIG. 18 in step S102 in theflowchart of FIG. 45, the operation proceeds to step S106 where a screenis displayed, similar to the one shown in FIG. 21, which is displayedwhen "NO RELEVANT TAPE" is selected. In the next step S107, either [A]RECORD UNDER INITIAL SET CONDITION, as in the foregoing Embodiment 26,or [B] EXECUTE TAPE SIMULATION is selected.

Next, in step S108, if it is determined that [B] EXECUTE TAPE SIMULATIONhas been selected, the operation proceeds to step S109 where the tapesimulation of Embodiment 22 illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 32 iscarried out. On the other hand, in step S108, if it is determined that[B] EXECUTE TAPE SIMULATION has not been selected, the processingroutine follows the NO branch of step S108 and proceeds to step S115where "RECORD UNDER INITIAL SET CONDITION" is displayed on the screen,similar to the one shown in FIG. 19 which is displayed when "NO RELEVANTTAPE" is selected.

Next, in step S116, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 reads out theinitial value data stored in the second memory 21, and in step S113, thetape simulator microcomputer 19 controls the recording current valuesetting circuit 28 to control the gain of the recording amplifier 7 soas to match the selected magnetic tape. Then, in step S114, the tapecassette containing the selected magnetic tape is loaded into the VTRfor recording of the video signal.

In Embodiment 27, when the selected magnetic tape is not found in themenu, simulation is performed for the selected data; the tape simulatormicrocomputer 19 when reads out the characteristic data of the magnetictape stored in the second memory 21 and controls the recording currentvalue setting circuit 28 to control the gain of the recording amplifier7 so that the video signal can be recorded with optimum conditions thatmatch the characteristic of the magnetic tape.

Embodiment 28

Embodiment 28 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of this embodiment is also identical to that shown in FIG.37, and therefore, the Following description deals only with theoperation of this embodiment with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 46.In Embodiment 28, when [B] EXECUTE TAPE SIMULATION is selected in stepS108 in the flowchart of FIG. 46, the processing operations illustratedin the flowchart of FIG. 33, i.e. the tape simulation of Embodiment 23,is carried out.

In Embodiment 28, when the selected magnetic tape is not found in themenu, simulation is performed for the selected magnetic tape; the tapesimulator microcomputer 19 then reads the characteristic data of themagnetic tape from the second memory 21 and controls the recordingcurrent value setting circuit 28 to control the gain of the recordingamplifier 7 so that the video signal can be recorded with optimumconditions that match the selected magnetic tape.

Embodiment 29

Embodiment 29 of the present invention will be described below. Thisembodiment also has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 37, andtherefore, the following description deals only with the operation ofthis embodiment with reference to the flowchart of FIG. 46. Afterrehearsal recording in step S109 in the flowchart of FIG. 46 inaccordance with Embodiment 27 or 28, the display means displays, in stepS110 in the flowchart of FIG. 46, a screen For entering the manufacturername and type name of the magnetic tape, similar to the one shown inFIG. 22 which is displayed when the tape simulation is completed. Instep S111, the manufacturer name and type name are entered on the screenand stored into the first memory 20.

Next, in step S112, the characteristic data of the magnetic tape isadded to the data stored in the second memory 21, and a screen similarto the one shown in FIG. 23 is displayed which shows the registration ofnewly added data after tape simulation, thus adding to the list ofmagnetic tapes stored in memory. The tape simulator microcomputer 19reads out the characteristic data of the just simulated magnetic tapefrom the second memory 21.

In step S113, the tape simulator microcomputer 19 controls the recordingcurrent value setting circuit 28 to control the gain of the recordingamplifier 7 so as to match the selected magnetic tape. Then, in stepS114, the tape cassette containing the selected magnetic tape is loadedinto the VTR For recording of the video signal.

Thus, in Embodiment 29, upon completion of the tape simulation, themanufacturer name and type name of the magnetic tape used for therehearsal recording are stored into the first memory 20, and itsassociated characteristic data is added to the data stored in the secondmemory 21, thus adding to the list of magnetic tapes stored in memory.This arrangement allows the gain of the recording amplifier to be set atthe optimum value for recording of the video signal without having toredo the simulation for a variety of magnetic tapes.

Embodiment 30

Embodiment 30 of the present invention will be described below. Thisembodiment also has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 37, andtherefore, the following description deals only with the operation ofthis embodiment. In Embodiment 30, the tape menu is reordered so thatthe last used magnetic tape, which is expected to be used mostfrequently, appears at the top of the menu, such as in the tape menuscreen shown in FIG. 24 in which the last designated tape is displayedat the top of the menu as in Embodiments 24 and 25, or in the tape menuscreen shown in FIG. 25 in which the magnetic tape used for simulationis displayed at the top of the menu as in Embodiment 29.

Thus, in Embodiment 30, since the tape menu is reordered so that thelast used magnetic tape appears at the top of the menu, magnetic tapesof higher probabilities of use are displayed at higher positions on themenu for easier selection.

Embodiment 31

Embodiment 31 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 47is a block diagram showing the configuration of Embodiment 31. In FIG.47, the same parts as those shown in FIG. 4 are designated by the samereference numerals, and explanation of such parts are not given herein.The following description focuses on differences from the configurationof FIG. 4. In the configuration of FIG. 47, the tape simulatormicrocomputer 19 controls the detail emphasis circuit 1, the recordingequalizer frequency correction circuit 27, and the recording currentvalue setting circuit 28. Otherwise, the configuration is the same asthat of FIG. 4.

Next, the operation of Embodiment 31 will be described below. Tuningbuttons are provided on the front panel of the VTR body. Beforerecording, i.e., after a tape cassette has been loaded into the VTR, theuser operates these tuning buttons in accordance with which a sequenceof operations illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 41 are performedunder control of the tape simulator microcomputer 19 to detect theoptimum recording conditions for the magnetic tape.

When controlling the recording current value and detail emphasis amountfor signal recording, the processing operations illustrated in theflowchart of FIG. 41 are combined with the steps in the flowchart ofFIG. 12 that relate to the control of the detail emphasis amount.Likewise, when controlling the recording current value and the frequencycharacteristic of the recording equalizer, the processing operationsillustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 41 are combined with the steps inthe flowchart of FIG. 32 that relate to the control of the frequencycharacteristic of the recording equalizer 4. On the other hand, whencontrolling the detail emphasis amount, and the frequency characteristicof the recording equalizer 4, the processing operations illustrated inthe flowchart of FIG. 12 are combined with the steps in the flowchart ofFIG. 32 that relate to the control of the frequency characteristic ofthe recording equalizer 4. Multiple control operations are thusperformed in Embodiment 31.

Furthermore, when all the three factors, i.e. the recording currentvalue, the detail emphasis amount, and the frequency characteristic ofthe recording equalizer 4, are to be controlled for signal recording,the processing operations illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 41 arecombined with the steps in the flowchart of FIG. 12 that relate to thecontrol of the detail emphasis amount and also with the steps in theflowchart of FIG. 32 that relate to the control of the frequencycharacteristic of the recording equalizer 4.

Of the above processing operations, the same operations as described inEmbodiments 1, 13, and 22 are not be described here.

When the simulation is completed, the recording current characteristicsfor the f1 and f2 test signals, stored in the third memory 22, will beas shown in FIG. 38. If frequency characteristic corrections are made bythe recording equalizer 4, the obtained data will be as shown in FIG.39, i.e., the recording current characteristics after passing throughthe recording equalizer of standard frequency characteristic. Forexample, in FIG. 39, the O.R.C. value for tape A is IA, and the O.R.C.value for tape B is IB. Furthermore, by controlling the frequencycharacteristic of the recording equalizer 4, the obtained data will beas shown in FIG. 40, i.e., the optimum recording current characteristicsobtained after correction of the recording equalizer 4, thecharacteristics being controlled at O.R.C., i.e. at IA and IB, at bothfrequencies of the f1 and f2 test signals.

At the same time that the type name of the magnetic tape 9 is entered onthe screen and stored into the first memory 20, the data of the magnetictape 9 obtained from the plurality of control means are stored in thesecond memory 21. Based on the data stored in the second memory 21concerning the result of the simulation of the magnetic tape 9, the tapesimulator microcomputer 19 controls the detail emphasis circuit 1 and/orthe recording equalizer frequency correction circuit 27 and/or therecording current setting circuit 28; thus, the amount of emphasis thatthe detail emphasis circuit 1 applies for video signal recording, thefrequency characteristic of the recording equalizer 4, and the gain ofthe recording amplifier 7 for FM signal recording are controlled at therespective optimum values all at the same time or in any combinationthereof.

Thus, in Embodiment 31, based on the data stored in the second memory 31concerning the result of the simulation of the magnetic tape 9, the tapesimulator microcomputer 19 controls the detail emphasis circuit 1, therecording equalizer frequency correction circuit 27, and the recordingcurrent setting circuit 28, all at the same time or singly or in anydesired combination thereof. This not only prevents magnetic reversionand improves the signal-to-noise ratio for a poor performance magnetictape, but provides a sufficient margin to magnetic reversion in the caseof a high performance magnetic tape even if recording is done with finerdetails.

Embodiment 32

Embodiment 32 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of this embodiment is identical to that shown in FIG. 47,and therefore, the following description deals only with the operationof this embodiment. Embodiment 32 provides the same features as thosedescribed in Embodiment 31, the only difference being that in Embodiment32, the rehearsal recording is carried out with the magnetic tape heldat a stop position. The rehearsal recording operations are the same asdescribed in Embodiment 23, and therefore, will not be explained here.

Thus, in Embodiment 32, since the rehearsal recording is carried outwith the magnetic tape held at a stop position, the characteristic dataof the magnetic tape can be measured in a shorter period of time.

Embodiment 33

Embodiment 33 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of this embodiment is identical to that shown in FIG. 47,and therefore, will not be described here. In Embodiment 33, theoperations described in Embodiments 31 and 32 are repeated a number oftimes, and the type names of magnetic tapes stored in the first memory20 are displayed on the display means in the form of a tape menu screenas shown in FIG. 15, from which menu screen the magnetic tape used forrecording is selected. The type name of the selected magnetic tape isthen displayed on the screen as shown in FIG. 16. The tape simulatormicrocomputer 19 then reads out the characteristic data of the magnetictape from the second memory 21, and controls the detail emphasis circuit1 and/or the recording equalizer frequency correction circuit 27 and/orthe recording current setting circuit 28; thus, the amount of emphasisthat the detail emphasis circuit 1 applies for video signal recording,the frequency characteristic of the recording equalizer 4, and the gainof the recording amplifier 7 for FM signal recording are controlled atthe respective optimum values all at the same time or in any combinationthereof.

In this manner, the detail emphasis amount for video signal recording,the frequency characteristic of the recording equalizer 4, and the gainof the recording amplifier 7 can be controlled all at the same time orsingly or in any combination thereof, without, having to redo thesimulation For a variety of magnetic tapes.

Embodiment 34

Embodiment 34 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of this embodiment is identical to that shown in FIG. 47,and therefore, the following description deals only with the operationof this embodiment. In Embodiment 34, the manufacturer names and typenames of frequently-used magnetic tapes are prestored in the firstmemory 20, and the characteristic data of such magnetic tapes areprestored in the second memory 21, as in Embodiment 25; then, the typenames of the plurality of magnetic tapes thus stored are brought ontothe screen of the display means, as shown in FIG. 15, from which themagnetic tape used for recording is selected the type name of which isthen displayed as shown in FIG. 16. The tape simulator microcomputer 19then reads out the characteristic data of the selected magnetic tapefrom the second memory 21, and controls the detail emphasis circuit 1and/or the recording equalizer frequency correction circuit 27 and/orthe recording current setting circuit 28; thus, the amount of emphasisapplied for video signal recording, the frequency characteristic of therecording equalizer 4, and the gain of the recording amplifier 7 for FMsignal recording are controlled at the respective optimum values all atthe same time or in any combination thereof.

Thus, in Embodiment 34, it is possible to prevent. magnetic reversionand improve the signal-to-noise ratio for the magnetic tape selected foruse from among a plurality of frequently-used magnetic tapes.

Embodiment 35

Embodiment 35 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of this embodiment is also identical to that shown in FIG.47, and therefore, the following description deals only with theoperation of this embodiment. In Embodiment 35, when the magnetic tapeused for recording is not found in the tape menu screen of FIG. 15 inthe foregoing Embodiment 34, then "NO RELEVANT TAPE" is selected, asshown in FIG. 18, and the tape simulator microcomputer 19 controls thedetail emphasis circuit 1 and/or the recording equalizer frequencycorrection circuit 27 and/or the recording current value setting circuit28 so that the amount of emphasis that the detail emphasis circuit 1applies for video signal recording, and/or the frequency characteristicsof the recording equalizer 4 and/or the gain of the recording amplifierfor FM signal recording are controlled at such values that do not causeproblems for any magnetic tape whose data is stored in the second memory21.

In Embodiment 35 also, it is possible to prevent magnetic reversion andimprove the signal-to-noise ratio for recording of the video signal onany magnetic tape even if the magnetic tape is not registered.

Embodiment 36

Embodiment 36 of the present invention will be described below. Thisembodiment also has the same configuration as that shown in FIG. 47, andtherefore, the following description deals only with the operation ofthis embodiment. In Embodiment 36, as in Embodiment 27, when there is norelevant tape in the flowchart of FIG. 45, a selection screen isdisplayed as shown in FIG. 21, from which either RECORD UNDER INITIALSET CONDITION, as is done in Embodiment 35, or EXECUTE TAPE SIMULATIONis selected. When EXECUTE TAPE SIMULATION is selected, the tapesimulation of Embodiment 31 is carried out.

According to Embodiment 36, the video signal can be recorded in optimumconditions for any magnetic tape even if the magnetic tape is notregistered.

Embodiment 37

Embodiment 37 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of this embodiment is also identical to that shown in FIG.47, and therefore, the following description deals only with theoperation of this embodiment. In Embodiment 37, when EXECUTE TAPESIMULATION is selected in the above Embodiment, 36, the tape simulationof Embodiment 32 is carried out.

According to Embodiment 37, the video signal can be recorded in optimumconditions for any magnetic tape even if the magnetic tape is notregistered.

Embodiment 38

Embodiment 38 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of this embodiment is identical to that shown in FIG. 47,and therefore, the Following description deals only with the operationof this embodiment. In Embodiment 38, the manufacturer name and typename of the magnetic tape used for rehearsal recording in Embodiment 36or 37 are entered on the screen shown in FIG. 22 which is displayed whenthe tape simulation is completed, prompting for the registration of themanufacturer name and type name of the magnetic tape. The manufacturername and type name are thus stored into the first memory 20, and thecharacteristic data of the magnetic tape is added to the data stored inthe second memory 21, thus adding to the list of magnetic tapes as shownon the screen of FIG. 23 which displays data newly registered after tapesimulation.

According to Embodiment 38, the number of magnetic tapes stored inmemory can be increased as shown on the screen that displays data newlyregistered after the tape simulation of the magnetic tape used forrehearsal recording; this has the effect of eliminating the need to redothe simulation when using the same type of tape in future.

Embodiment 39

Embodiment 39 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of this embodiment is also identical to that shown in FIG.47, and therefore, the following description deals only with theoperation of this embodiment. In Embodiment 39, the tape menu isreordered so that the last used magnetic tape, which is expected to beused most frequently, appears at the top of the menu, such as in thetape menu screen shown in FIG. 24 in which the last designated tape isdisplayed at the top of the menu as in Embodiments 33 and 34, or in thetape menu screen shown in FIG. 25 in which the magnetic tape used forsimulation is displayed at the top of the menu as in Embodiment 38.

In Embodiment 39, the last used magnetic tape, which is expected to beused most frequently, is displayed at the top of the tape menu,facilitating the selection of tape data for optimum recording of thevideo signal without redoing tape simulation for a variety of magnetictapes.

The following describes other embodiments of the present invention,wherein information indicating the kind of the magnetic tape, such as abarcode attached to the tape package, is input and the detail emphasisamount for video signal recording, the frequency characteristic of therecording equalizer, and the recording current value are controlledusing the characteristic data of the magnetic tape prestored in memory.

Embodiment 40

Embodiment 40 of the present invention will be described below. FIG.48(a) shows a packaged magnetic tape cassette 30, the numeral 31indicating the packaging material in which the magnetic tape cassette iswrapped; FIG. 48(b) shows a barcode removed from part A of the packagingmaterial 31 shown in FIG. 48(a), the removed barcode being indicated bythe numeral 32; and FIG. 48(c) is a diagram showing a magnetic tapecassette 33 on which the removed barcode 32 shown in FIG. 48(b) has beenattached, the magnetic tape cassette 33 being of the same kind as themagnetic tape cassette wrapped in the packaging material 31.

FIG. 49 is a diagram showing how the magnetic tape cassette 33 with thebarcode 32 attached thereon as shown in FIG. 48(c) is inserted into aVTR 34 in order to read the information carried in the barcode. The VTR34 has a built-in barcode reader. FIGS. 50(a) and (b) are diagrams forexplaining how the magnetic tape cassette 33 with the barcode 32attached thereon is inserted and how the barcode is read. The numeral 35indicates a scanner, the barcode reader, which is used to read thebarcode 32 attached to the magnetic tape cassette 33.

FIG. 51 is a diagram for explaining a sequence of control operations forthe scanner 35 to read the barcode 32 on the magnetic tape cassette 33loaded into the VTR machine 34. In the figure, the numeral 36 is aswitch for detecting the insertion of the magnetic tape cassette 33; 40is a loading device for loading the magnetic tape cassette 33; 37 is aloading control microcomputer for controlling the loading device 40, andfor instructing the scanner 35 to start reading the barcode, bydetecting the state of the switch 36 that indicates the insertion of themagnetic tape cassette 33; 38 is a drive circuit for controlling thedriving of the loading device 40 for loading the magnetic tape cassette33; and 39 is a loading motor for driving the loading device 40.Further, the numeral 41 is a barcode reading circuit for reading thedata carried in the barcode 32 picked up by the scanner 35 under controlof the loading microcomputer 37; 42 is a data processing circuit forprocessing the barcode data read by the barcode reading circuit 41; and43 is a control microcomputer for controlling recording signalprocessing circuitry within the VTR 34 by using the data converted bythe data processing circuit 42.

FIG. 52 is a block diagram showing a recording signal detail controlapparatus of the present invention, capable of optimizing recordingconditions for the magnetic recording medium used. In FIG. 52, the sameor corresponding parts to those shown in FIG. 4 are designated by thesame reference numerals, to avoid repeated explanation of such parts. InFIG. 52, the numeral 45 designates a first memory in which the kind andthe characteristic data of the magnetic tape 9 are stored, and 43indicates the control microcomputer for controlling the detail emphasiscircuit i on the basis of the data stored in the first memory 45.

The operation of this embodiment will now be described. The barcode 32,as shown in FIG. 48(b), is removed from part A of the packaging material31 shown in FIG. 48(a) and attached to the magnetic tape cassette 33, asshown in FIG. 48(c); the magnetic tape cassette 33 is the same kind ofmagnetic tape as the one wrapped in the packaging material 31. Themagnetic tape cassette 33 with the barcode 32 attached thereon is theninserted into the VTR 34 shown in FIG. 49. The magnetic tape cassette 33is inserted into the VTR 34, as shown in FIG. 50(a), and when themagnetic tape cassette 33 is loaded into position as shown in FIG.50(b), the scanner 35 scans the barcode 32 to pick up the informationcarried therein.

An example of a method of reading the barcode on the loaded magnetictape cassette 33 will be described with reference to FIG. 51. When themagnetic tape cassette 33 with the barcode 32 attached thereon isinserted, the switch 36 detects the act of insertion and notifies theloading control microcomputer 37 that the loading action may be started.

The loading control microcomputer 37 controls the loading motor 39 fordriving the loading device 40 via the drive circuit 38, and at the sametime, instructs the scanner 35 to start reading the barcode. When themagnetic tape cassette 33 is inserted and loaded into the position shownin FIG. 50(b) by the action of the loading device 40, the barcodereading circuit 41, which is coupled to the scanner 35, starts readingthe information carried in the barcode 32. The extracted barcode data isthen converted by the data processing circuit 42, and using theconverted data, the control microcomputer 43 controls the recordingsignal processing circuitry within the VTR 34.

An example of a control operation for controlling the recording signalprocessing circuitry within the VTR will be explained with reference toFIG. 52. Based on the barcode data transferred from the data processingcircuit 42, the control microcomputer 43 locates the characteristic datastored in the first memory 45 for the magnetic tape cassette 33. Inrecord mode, under control of the system microcomputer 12 the controlmicrocomputer 43 controls the amount of emphasis the detail emphasiscircuit 1 applies to the incoming video signal at the optimum value asshown in FIG. 9. After being processed for detail emphasis, the videosignal is fed to the pre-emphasis circuit 2 where pre-emphasis isapplied, and then fed to the FM modulator 3 for conversion into afrequency-modulated wave. The FM wave is then processed through therecording equalizer 4 and fed via the recording amplifier 7 to therotating magnetic head 8 for recording on the magnetic tape 9.

In playback mode, the playback signal played back from the magnetic tape9 by the rotating magnetic head 8 is amplified by the playback amplifier13, processed through the playback equalizer 14, and fed to the playbacksignal processor 15 to reproduce the video signal for output withoptimum detail emphasis as shown in FIG. 10.

Embodiment 41

Embodiment 41 of the present invention will be described below. FIGS. 53and 54 are diagrams illustrating an embodiment of the invention whereina barcode is read after loading the magnetic tape cassette. In thefigures, the same or corresponding parts to those shown in FIGS. 48 to52 are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid repeatedexplanation of such parts. The numeral 46 is a switch for detecting theloading complete state of the magnetic tape cassette 33.

The operation of this embodiment will now be described. As shown in FIG.53, before the magnetic tape cassette 33 is inserted, the scanner 35 isat rest in the upper part rearwardly of the loading device 40 so as notto interfere with the loading action of the loading device 40. When themagnetic tape cassette 33 with the barcode 32 attached thereon isinserted, the loading control microcomputer 37 controls the loadingmotor 39 to drive the loading device 40 via the drive circuit 38.

When the loading action of the loading device 40 is completed and themagnetic tape cassette 33 is loaded .into position, the switch 46detects this state and sends loading complete information to the loadingcontrol microcomputer 37, and the scanner 35 is set ready to read thebarcode 32, as shown in FIG. 54. The loading control microcomputer 37instructs the scanner 35 to start reading the barcode 32, so that thebarcode reading circuit 41 coupled to the scanner 35 starts reading theinformation carried in the barcode 32. The extracted barcode data isconverted by the data processing circuit 42, and using the converteddata, the control microcomputer 43 controls the recording signalprocessing circuitry within the VTR 34.

The recording and playback operations within the VTR 34 and controloperations of the detail emphasis circuit 1 in processing signals forrecording are the same as described in Embodiment 40, and therefore, arenot described here.

Embodiment 42

Embodiment 42 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 55is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the invention wherein abarcode is read after loading the magnetic tape cassette. In the figure,the same or corresponding parts to those shown in FIGS. 48 to 54 aredesignated by the same reference numerals to avoid repeated explanationof such parts. The numeral 47 indicates a cassette stabilizer forholding the magnetic tape cassette 33 firmly in position. As shown inFIG. 55, the scanner 35 is constructed integrally with the cassettestabilizer 47 and holds the magnetic tape cassette 33 firmly in positionwhile reading the information carried in the barcode 32 attached to themagnetic tape cassette 33. Other operations are the same as thosedescribed in Embodiment 41, and therefore, are not described here.

Embodiment 43

Embodiment 43 of the present invention will be described. In Embodiments40 to 42, the barcode 32 is removed from part A of the packagingmaterial 31 and then attached to the magnetic tape cassette 33. In analternative method, a cassette label bearing a barcode printed thereon,as shown in FIG. 56(a), may be prepared beforehand, and this label maybe applied to the magnetic tape cassette 33, as shown in FIG. 56(b).

Embodiment 44

Embodiment 44 of the present invention will be described. In Embodiments40 to 42, the barcode 32 is removed from part A of the packagingmaterial 31 and then attached to the magnetic tape cassette 33. In analternative method, the barcode may be printed directly on the magnetictape cassette 33 like the barcode-printed magnetic tape cassette 49shown in FIG. 57.

Embodiment 45

Embodiment 45 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 58is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the invention wherein barcodeinformation is read and transmitted to the VTR 34 by using a scannerexternal to the VTR 34. In the figure, the same or corresponding partsto those shown in FIGS. 48 to 52 are designated by the same referencenumerals to avoid repeated explanation of such parts. The numeral 50indicates a barcode scanner externally connected to the VTR 34. As shownin FIG. 58, the barcode scanner 50 reads the barcode information on thepackaged magnetic tape cassette 30 and transmits the data to the VTR 34.After that, the unpackaged magnetic tape cassette 33 is loaded into theVTR 34 for recording. In recording, the control microcomputer 43controls the detail emphasis circuit 1 so that the optimum amount ofemphasis is applied to the video signal for recording with the magnetictape cassette 33. Other operations are the same as described inEmbodiment 40, and therefore, are not described here.

Embodiment 46

Embodiment 46 of the present invention will be described below. In FIG.58, the numeral 51 shows a remote control unit witch a built-in barcodescanner for use with the VTR 34. As shown in FIG. 58, the remote controlunit 51 with a built-in barcode scanner reads the barcode information onthe packaged magnetic tape cassette 30 and transmits the data to the VTR34 by remote control. After that, the unpackaged magnetic tape cassette33 is loaded into the VTR 34 for recording. In recording, the controlmicrocomputer 43 controls the detail emphasis circuit 1 so that theoptimum amount of emphasis is applied to the video signal for recordingwith the magnetic tape cassette 33. Other operations are the same asdescribed in Embodiment 40, and therefore, are not described here.

Embodiment 47

In Embodiments 45 and 46, the barcode information is read from thebarcode on the packaged magnetic tape cassette 30. In an alternativemethod, the barcode carried on the packaging material 31 may be readusing the barcode scanner 50 or the remote control unit 51 with abuilt-in barcode scanner after the magnetic tape cassette 33 has beenloaded into the VTR 34.

Embodiment 48

Embodiment 48 of the present invention will be described. below. FIG.59(a) is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the invention in whichthe numeric information carried at the bottom of a barcode is input onan external remote control unit for transmission to the VTR 34. In theFigure, the same or corresponding parts to those shown in FIGS. 48 to 58are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid repeatedexplanation of such parts.

As shown in FIG. 59(a), the numeric information at the bottom of thebarcode carried on the packaged magnetic tape cassette 30 is transmittedto the VTR 34 by using the remote control unit 51. After that, theunpackaged magnetic tape cassette 33 is loaded into the VTR 34 forrecording. In recording, the control microcomputer 43 controls thedetail emphasis circuit 1 so that the optimum amount of emphasis isapplied to the video signal for recording with the magnetic tapecassette 33. Other operations are the same as described in Embodiment40, and therefore, are not described here.

Embodiment 49

Embodiment 49 of the present invention will be described below. FIG.59(b) is a diagram illustrating an embodiment of the invention in whichthe numeric information carried at the bottom of a barcode is input tothe VTR 34 by using a jog shuttle dial provided on the VTR 34. In thefigure, the jog shuttle dial provided on the VTR 34 is indicated at 52.

As shown in FIG. 59(b), the numeric information at the bottom of thebarcode carried on the packaged magnetic tape cassette 30 is input tothe VTR 34 by using the jog shuttle dial 52. In this input method, thejob shuttle dial 52 is used to increase or decrease the numeric valueand moving from one digit to the next. After that, the unpackagedmagnetic tape cassette 33 is loaded into the VTR 34 for recording. Inrecording, the control microcomputer 43 controls the detail emphasiscircuit 1 so that the optimum amount of emphasis is applied to the videosignal for recording with the magnetic tape cassette 33. Otheroperations are the same as described in Embodiment 40, and therefore,are not described here.

Embodiment 50

In Embodiments 48 and 49, the numeric information at the bottom of thebarcode carried on the packaged magnetic tape cassette 30 is read. In analternative method, the numeric information at the bottom of the barcodecarried on the packaging material 31 may be input using the remotecontrol unit 51 or the jog shuttle dial 52 after the magnetic tapecassette 33 has been loaded into the VTR 34.

Embodiment 51

Embodiment 51 of the present, invention will be described. FIG. 60 is ablock diagram showing one embodiment of a recording signal detailcontrol apparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions for amagnetic recording medium when the kind of the magnetic tape used forrecording is not one stored in memory. In the figure, the same orcorresponding parts to those shown in FIGS. 4 and 52 are designated bythe same reference numerals to avoid repeated explanation of such parts.The numeral 53 shows a second memory for storing the level detectionresults fed from the f1 level detector 17 and f2 level detector 18. FIG.61 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations according toEmbodiment 51.

The operation of this embodiment will now be described. When, inEmbodiments 40 to 50, the kind of the magnetic tape used for recordingis not one stored in the first memory 45, the sequence of operationsillustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 61 is performed under the controlof the control microcomputer 43 to detect the optimum recordingconditions for the magnetic tape.

In the flowchart, in test recording the switch 5 is set to connect tothe terminal (b) side (test terminal side) so that signals from the FMmodulator 3 and the recording equalizer 4 are shut off, and instead,test signals from the f1/f2 test signal generator 6 are supplied via therecording amplifier 7 to the rotating magnetic head 8 for recording onthe magnetic tape 9 (step S121). Here, in synchronism with the operationtiming of the control microcomputer 43, the CTL pulse recording/playbackcircuit 11 under control of the system microcomputer 12 generates anindex signal which is recorded on the magnetic tape 9 with theprescribed timing (step S122).

After recording is done for a length of time necessary for themeasurement of the tape performance, the magnetic tape is rewound to theindex signal position, and played back (step S123). The played back testsignals are amplified by the playback amplifier 13 and fed to theplayback equalizer 14 where signals having the frequency spectra f1 andf2 shown in FIG. 7 or 8 are extracted; then, the f1 test signal level isdetected by the f1 level detector 17 and the f2 test signal leveldetected by the f2 level detector 18 (step S124). Each detection levelinformation is fed to the control microcomputer 43 and the associatedcharacteristic data is stored into the second memory 53 (step S125).Based on the data stored in the second memory 53, the controlmicrocomputer 43 controls the detail emphasis circuit 1 to set: theamount of detail emphasis at the optimum value for recording of thevideo signal (step S126). When the above setting is complete, the switch5 is set back to the normal recording side (a) (step S127), and themagnetic tape is rewound to the index signal position to complete thetest recording (step S128).

Embodiment 52

Embodiment 52 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of the apparatus is identical to that of Embodiment 51shown in FIG. 60. The following describes the operation of Embodiment52. Embodiment 52 provides the same features as those described inEmbodiment 51, the only difference being that, in Embodiment 52, therehearsal recording is carried out, with the magnetic tape held at astop position. FIG. 62 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence ofoperations according to Embodiment 52; the same processing steps asthose illustrated in FIG. 61 are designated by the same step numbers,and explanation of such steps is omitted herein.

The tape cassette is loaded, and rehearsal recording is carried out withthe tape held at a stop position (step S129). After recording for apredetermined length of time, the test signals f1 and f2 are played back(step S130). The processing operations after that are the same as thosedescribed in Embodiment 51.

The timings of rehearsal recording and playback performed with the tapeheld at a stop position are as shown in FIG. 11. Referring to FIG. 11,the test signals as described in the foregoing Embodiment 51 arerecorded for one revolution period of the rotating cylinder, and afterrecording, the test signals are played back for tape simulation. In FIG.11, the test signal recording period is made equal to one revolutionperiod of the rotating cylinder, but the recording period may be madelonger than one revolution period of the rotating cylinder as necessary.

Embodiment 53

Embodiment 53 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 63is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a recording signal detailcontrol apparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions for amagnetic recording medium when the kind of the magnetic tape used forrecording is not one stored in memory. In the figure, the same orcorresponding parts to those shown in FIG. 52 are designated by the samereference numerals to avoid repeated explanation of such parts. Thenumeral 54 indicates a third memory for storing data based on which datathe control microcomputer 43 controls the characteristic of the detailemphasis circuit 1 at such a value that does not cause problems for anymagnetic tape.

In the recording signal detail control apparatus capable of optimizingrecording conditions for a magnetic recording medium when the kind ofthe magnetic tape used for recording is not one stored in memory, datastored in the third memory 54 is read out, and based on the thus readoutdata, the control microcomputer 43 controls the characteristic of thedetail emphasis circuit 1 at such a value that does not cause problemsfor any magnetic tape.

Embodiment 54

Embodiment 54 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 64is a block diagram showing one embodiment of a frequency characteristiccontrol apparatus for a recording equalizer frequency control circuit ofthe invention, capable of optimizing recording conditions for a magneticrecording medium when the kind of the magnetic tape used for recordingis not one stored in memory. In the figure, the same or correspondingparts to those shown in FIG. 52 are designated by the same referencenumerals to avoid repeated explanation of such parts. The numeral 27 isa recording equalizer frequency correction circuit for controlling thefrequency characteristic of the recording equalizer 4 under the controlof the control microcomputer 43. In this embodiment, magnetic tapeloading and barcode reading operations are the same as those describedin Embodiment 40, and therefore, explanation of such operations is notgiven here.

Furthermore, the standard frequency characteristic of the recordingequalizer 4, the playback head output frequency characteristics fortapes A and B when the recording equalizer is set at the standardfrequency characteristic, the reproduced video frequency characteristicsat the time of the above playback head output frequency characteristics,the corrected frequency characteristics of the recording equalizer fortapes A and B after correction by the recording equalizer frequencycorrection circuit 27, and the playback video frequency characteristicsafter correction by the corrected recording equalizer, are the same asshown in FIGS. 27 to 31 previously described.

The operation of this embodiment will now be described. An example of acontrol operation for controlling the recording signal processingcircuitry within the VTR will be explained with reference to FIG. 64.Based on the supplied barcode data, the control microcomputer 43 locatesthe characteristic data stored in the memory 45 for the magnetic tapecassette 33. In recording, under control of the system microcomputer 12the incoming video signal is processed by the detail emphasis circuit 1for detail emphasis, and then fed to the pre-emphasis circuit 2 whererecording pre-emphasis is applied. The thus processed signal isconverted by the FM modulator 3 into a frequency-modulated wave. The FMwave is then fed to the recording equalizer 4 whose frequencycharacteristic has been set at the optimum value, as shown in FIG. 30,by the recording equalizer frequency correction circuit 27 under controlof the control microcomputer 43. The signal is then passed through therecording amplifier 7 and supplied to the rotating magnetic head 8 forrecording on the magnetic tape 9.

In playback, the playback signal played back from the magnetic tape 9 bythe rotating magnetic head 8 is amplified by the playback amplifier 13,processed through the playback equalizer 14, and fed to the playbacksignal processor 15 to reproduce the video signal for output withoptimum frequency characteristic as shown in FIG. 31.

Embodiment 55

Embodiment 55 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 55is an embodiment in which the barcode reading operation performed afterthe loading of a magnetic tape cassette in Embodiment 41 (see FIGS. 53and 54) is incorporated in the control operation of the frequencycharacteristic control apparatus of Embodiment 54.

Embodiment 56

Embodiment 56 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 56is an embodiment in which the barcode reading operation performed afterthe loading of a magnetic tape cassette in Embodiment 42 (see FIG. 55)is incorporated in the control operation of the frequency characteristiccontrol apparatus of Embodiment 54.

Embodiment 57

Embodiment 57 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 57is an embodiment in which the method of Embodiment 43 involvingattaching a barcode-printed cassette label 48 to the magnetic tapecassette 33 (see FIG. 56) is applied to Embodiments 54 to 56.

Embodiment 58

Embodiment 58 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 58is an embodiment in which the method of Embodiment 44 involvingpreparing a barcode-printed magnetic tape cassette 49 beforehand isapplied to Embodiments 54 to 56.

Embodiment 59

Embodiment 59 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment59is an embodiment in which the method of Embodiment 45 involvingreading and transmitting barcode information by using the barcodescanner 50 external to the VTR 34 (see FIG. 58) is applied to thefrequency characteristic control apparatus of Embodiment 54.

Embodiment 60

Embodiment 60 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 60is an embodiment in which the method of Embodiment 46 involving readingbarcode information by the barcode scanner and transmitting the barcodeinformation to the VTR 34 by using the remote control unit 51 (see FIG.58) is applied to the frequency characteristic control apparatus ofEmbodiment 54.

Embodiment 61

In Embodiments 59 and 60, the barcode carried on the packaging material31 may be read using the barcode scanner 50 or the remote control unit51 with a built-in barcode scanner after the magnetic tape cassette 33has been loaded into the VTR 34, as in Embodiment 47.

Embodiment 62

Embodiment 62 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 62is an embodiment in which the method of Embodiment 48 involvingtransmitting numeric information carried at the bottom of a barcode tothe VTR 34 by using the remote control unit 51 external to the VTR 24(see FIG. 59(a)) is applied to the frequency characteristic controlapparatus of Embodiment 54.

Embodiment 63

Embodiment 63 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 63is an embodiment in which the method of Embodiment 49 involvinginputting numeric information carried at the bottom of the barcode onthe packaged magnetic tape cassette 30 into the VTR 34 by using the jogshuttle dial 52 (see FIG. 59(b)) is applied to the frequencycharacteristic control apparatus of Embodiment 54.

Embodiment 64

In Embodiments 62 and 63, the numeric information at the bottom of thebarcode carried on the packaging material 31 may be input using theremote control unit 51 or the .jog shuttle dial 52 after the magnetictape cassette 33 has been loaded into the VTR 34, as in Embodiment 50.

Embodiment 65

Embodiment 65 of the present. invention will be described below. FIG. 65is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the frequencycharacteristic control apparatus for the recording equalizer, capable ofoptimizing recording conditions for a magnetic recording medium when thekind of the magnetic tape used for recording is not one stored inmemory. In the figure, the same or corresponding parts to those shown inFIGS. 60 and 64 are designated by the same reference numerals to avoidrepeated explanation of such parts. FIG. 66 is a flowchart illustratinga sequence of operations according to Embodiment 65, wherein the sameprocessing steps as those illustrated in FIG. 61 are designated by thesame step numbers.

The operation of this embodiment will now be described. When, inEmbodiments 54 to 64, the kind of the magnetic tape used is not onestored in the first memory 45, the sequence of operations illustrated inthe flowchart of FIG. 66 is performed under the control of the controlmicrocomputer 43 to detect the optimum recording conditions for themagnetic tape. Of these operations, the same processing operations asperformed in Embodiment 51 will not be described here.

In Embodiment 65, signals having the frequency spectra f1 and f2 shownin FIG. 7 or 8 are extracted from the replayed test signals, and then,the f1 test signal level is detected by the f1 level detector 17 and thef2 test signal level detected by the f2 level detector 18. Eachdetection level information is supplied to the control microcomputer 43and the associated characteristic data is stored into the second memory53. Based on the data stored in the second memory 53, the controlmicrocomputer 43 controls the recording equalizer frequency correctioncircuit 27, as in Embodiment 54, to control the characteristic frequencyof the recording equalizer 4 at the optimum value for the magnetic tapecassette 33 used for recording (step S131).

Embodiment 66

Embodiment 66 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of the apparatus is identical to that of Embodiment 65shown in FIG. 65. The following describes the operation of Embodiment66. Embodiment 66 provides the same features as those described inEmbodiment 65, the only difference being that, in Embodiment 66, therehearsal recording is carried out with the magnetic tape held at a stopposition. FIG. 67 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operationsaccording to Embodiment 66; the same processing steps as thoseillustrated in FIG. 66 are designated by the same step numbers, andexplanation of such steps is omitted herein.

The tape cassette is loaded, and rehearsal recording is caarried outwith the tape held at a stop position (step S132). After recording for apredetermined length of time, the test signals f1 and f2 are replayed(step S133). The processing operations after that are the same as thosedescribed in Embodiment 65.

The timings of rehearsal recording and playback performed with the tapeheld at a stop position are as shown in FIG. 11. Referring to FIG. 11,the test signals as described in the foregoing Embodiment 65 arerecorded for one revolution period of the rotating cylinder, and afterrecording, the test signals are replayed for tape simulation. In FIG. 11the test signal recording period is made equal to one revolution periodof the rotating cylinder, but the recording period may be made longerthan one revolution period of the rotating cylinder as necessary.

Embodiment 67

Embodiment 67 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 68is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the frequencycharacteristic control apparatus for the recording equalizer, capable ofoptimizing recording conditions for a magnetic recording medium when thekind of the magnetic tape used for recording is not one stored inmemory. In the figure, the same or corresponding parts to those shown inFIG. 64 are designated by the same reference numerals to avoid repeatedexplanation of such parts. The numeral 54 indicates a third memory forstoring data based on which data the control microcomputer 43 controlsthe recording equalizer frequency correction circuit 27 to control thefrequency characteristic of the recording equalizer 4 at such a valuethat does not cause problems for any magnetic tape.

In the frequency characteristic control apparatus for the recordingequalizer capable of optimizing recording conditions for a magneticrecording medium when the kind of the magnetic tape used fop recordingis not one stored in memory, data stored in the third memory 54 is readout, and based on the thus readout data, the control microcomputer 43controls the recording equalizer frequency correction circuit 27 tocontrol the frequency characteristic of the recording equalizer 4 atsuch a value that does not cause problems for any magnetic tape.

Embodiment 68

Embodiment 68 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 69is a block diagram showing a recording current amount control apparatuscapable of optimizing recording conditions for a magnetic recordingmedium according to the present invention. In the figure, the same orcorresponding parts to those shown in FIG. 52 are designated by the samereference numerals, and explanation of such parts is not given here. Thenumeral 28 indicates a recording current value setting circuit forcontrolling the gain of the recording amplifier 7 under the control ofthe control microcomputer 43. In this embodiment, the magnetic tapecassette loading and barcode reading operations are the same asdescribed in Embodiment 40, and therefore, will not be described here.

Furthermore, the recording current characteristics representing theplayback head output versus the recording current for the f1 and f2 testsignals recorded on tapes A and B, and the recording currentcharacteristics when the f1 and f2 test signals have been passed throughthe recording equalizer set at the standard frequency characteristicshown in FIG. 27, are as shown in FIGS. 38 and 39, respectively.

The operation of this embodiment will now be described. An example of acontrol operation for controlling the recording signal processingcircuitry within the VTR will be explained with reference to FIG. 69.Based on the supplied barcode data, the control microcomputer 43 locatesthe characteristic data stored in the first memory 45 for the magnetictape cassette 83. In recording, under control of the systemmicrocomputer 12 the incoming video signal is processed by the detailemphasis circuit 1 for detail emphasis, and then fed to the pre-emphasiscircuit 2 where recording pre-emphasis is applied. The thus processedsignal is converted by the FM modulator 3 into a frequency-modulatedwave whose frequency characteristic is then controlled by the recordingequalizer 4. Based on the characteristic data stored in the memory 45for the magnetic tape cassette 33, the control microcomputer 43 controlsthe recording current value setting circuit 28 which in turn controlsthe recording amplifier 7 so that the recording current value is set atIA for tape A and IB for tape B.

Embodiment 69

Embodiment 69 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 69is an embodiment in which the barcode reading operation performed afterthe loading of a magnetic tape cassette in Embodiment 41 (see FIGS. 53and 54) is incorporated in the control operation of the recordingcurrent amount control apparatus of Embodiment 68.

Embodiment 70

Embodiment 70 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 70is an embodiment in which the barcode reading operation performed afterthe loading of a magnetic tape cassette in Embodiment 42 (see FIG. 55)is incorporated in the control operation of the recording current amountcontrol apparatus of Embodiment 68.

Embodiment 71

Embodiment 71 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 71is an embodiment in which the method of Embodiment 43 involvingattaching a barcode-printed cassette label 48 to the magnetic tapecassette 33 (see FIG. 56) is applied to Embodiments 68 to 70.

Embodiment 72

Embodiment 72 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 72is an embodiment in which the method of Embodiment 44 involvingpreparing a barcode-printed magnetic tape cassette 49 beforehand isapplied to Embodiments 68 to 70.

Embodiment 73

Embodiment 73 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 73is an embodiment in which the method of Embodiment 45 involving readingand transmitting barcode information by using the barcode scanner 50external to the VTR 34 (see FIG. 58) is applied to the recording currentamount control apparatus of Embodiment 68.

Embodiment 74

Embodiment 74 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 74is an embodiment in which the method of Embodiment 46 involving readingbarcode information by the barcode scanner and transmitting the barcodeinformation to the VTR 34 by using the remote control unit 51 (see FIG.58) is applied to the recording current amount control apparatus ofEmbodiment 68.

Embodiment 75

In Embodiments 73 and 74, the barcode carried on the packaging material31 may be read using the barcode scanner 50 or the remote control unit51 with a built-in barcode scanner after the magnetic tape cassette 33has been loaded into the VTR 34, as in Embodiment 47.

Embodiment 76

Embodiment 76 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 76is an embodiment in which the method of Embodiment 48 involvingtransmitting numeric information carried at the bottom of a barcode tothe VTR 34 by using the remote control unit 51 external to the VTR 34(see FIG. 59(a)) is applied to the recording current amount controlapparatus of Embodiment 68.

Embodiment 77

Embodiment 77 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 77is an embodiment in which the method of Embodiment 49 involvinginputting numeric information carried at the bottom of the barcode onthe packaged magnetic tape cassette 30 into the VTR 34 by using the jogshuttle dial 52 (see FIG. 59(b)) is applied to the recording currentamount control apparatus of Embodiment 68.

Embodiment 78

In Embodiments 76 and 77, the numeric information at the bottom of thebarcode carried on the packaging material 31 may be input using theremote control unit 51 or the jog shuttle dial 52 after the magnetictape cassette 33 has been loaded into the VTR 34, as in Embodiment 50.

Embodiment 79

Embodiment 79 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 70is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the recording currentamount control apparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions fora magnetic recording medium when the kind of the magnetic tape used forrecording is not one stored in memory. In the figure, the same orcorresponding parts to those shown in FIGS. 60 and 69 are designated bythe same reference numerals to avoid repeated explanation of such parts.FIG. 71 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operations accordingto Embodiment 79, wherein the same processing steps as those illustratedin FIG. 61 are designated by the same step numbers.

The operation of this embodiment will now be described. When, inEmbodiments 68 to 78, the kind of the magnetic tape used is not onestored in the first memory 45, the sequence of operations illustrated inthe flowchart of FIG. 71 is performed under the control of the controlmicrocomputer 43 to detect the optimum recording conditions for themagnetic tape. Of these operations, the same processing operations asperformed in Embodiment 51 will not be described here.

In recording, the control microcomputer 43 controls the recordingcurrent value setting circuit 28 by which the gain of the recordingamplifier 7 is gradually increased or decreased to vary the recordingcurrent value for the plurality of test signals fed from the f1/f2 testsignal generator 6. At the same time, in correspondence to the change ofthe recording current value, the CTL pulse record/playback circuit 11under control of the system control microcomputer 12 generates an indexsignal corresponding to the recording current value and the index signalis thus recorded on the magnetic tape 9 by the control head 10 with theprescribed timing (step S134).

After recording for a length of time necessary for the measurement ofthe magnetic tape performance, the magnetic tape is rewound to therecording start index signal position, and played back. The test signalsthus played back are amplified by the playback amplifier 13 and fed tothe playback equalizer 14. The f1 test signal level is detected by thef1 level detector 17 and the f2 test signal level detected by the f2level detector 18, while at the same time, the index signal indicatingthe recording current value that was applied for the recording is readfrom the control track on the magnetic tape 9 by the control head 10(step S135). The detected levels and the information concerning therecording current values are supplied to the control microcomputer 43and stored into the second memory 53 (step S136).

When the simulation is completed, the recording current characteristicsfor the f1 and f2 test signals, stored in the second memory 53, will beas shown in FIG. 38. If frequency characteristic corrections are made bythe recording equalizer 4, the obtained data will be as shown in FIG.39, i.e., the recording current characteristics after passing throughthe recording equalizer of standard frequency characteristic. Forexample, in FIG. 39, the O.R.C. value for tape A is IA, and the O.R.C.value for tape B is IB. Based on the data stored in the second memory 53concerning the result of the simulation of the magnetic tape 9, thecontrol microcomputer 43 controls the recording current value settingcircuit 28 to set the gain of the recording amplifier at the optimumvalue for FM signal recording (step S137).

Embodiment 80

Embodiment 80 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of the apparatus is identical to that of Embodiment 79shown in FIG. 69. Embodiment 80 provides the same features as describedin Embodiment 79, the only difference being that, in Embodiment 80, therehearsal recording is carried out with the magnetic tape held at a stopposition. FIG. 72 is a flowchart illustrating a sequence of operationsaccording to Embodiment 80, wherein the same processing steps as thoseillustrated in FIG. 71 are designated by the same step numbers andexplanation of such steps is not given here. The timings of rehearsalrecording and playback carried out with the tape held at a stop positionare the same as shown in FIGS. 42(a) to 42(e).

The operation of this embodiment will now be described. Test signals arerecorded with the tape held at a stop position while varying therecording current as shown in FIG. 42(c) (step S138). After therecording is complete, the test signals are played back (step S139), andthe variations in the reproduction levels of the test signals f1 and f2,as shown in FIGS. 42(d) and 42(e), are detected (step S140). Datameasured along the time with the rotating magnetic head change-overtiming shown in FIG. 42(a) as the start point are stored in the secondmemory 53 (step S141). Based on the measured data, the controlmicrocomputer 43 finds elapsed times, t1L, t1R, t2L, and t2R, elapsedfrom the rotating magnetic head change-over timing until thereproduction level becomes optimum, and from these elapsed times, thecontrol microcomputer 43 calculates elapsed times, t1 and t2, elapsedfrom the rotating magnetic head change-over timing, and the recordingcurrent value O.R.C. at each of the elapsed times. Thus, based on thedata stored in the second memory 53 concerning the result of thesimulation of the magnetic tape 9, the control microcomputer 43 controlsthe recording current value setting circuit 28 to set the gain of therecording amplifier 7 at the optimum value For FM signal recording. InFIG. 42. the recording period is made equal to one revolution period ofthe rotating cylinder, but the recording period may be made longer thanone revolution period of the rotating cylinder as necessary.

Embodiment 81

Embodiment 81 of the present, invention will be described below. FIG. 73is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the recording currentamount control apparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions fora magnetic recording medium when the kind of the magnetic tape used forrecording is not one stored in memory. In the figure, the same orcorresponding parts to those shown in FIG. 69 are designated by the samereference numerals to avoid repeated explanation of such parts. Thenumeral 54 indicates a third memory for storing data based on which datathe control microcomputer 43 controls the recording current valuesetting circuit 28 so that the recording current value is set at such avalue that does not cause problems for any magnetic tape.

In the recording current amount control apparatus capable of optimizingrecording conditions for a magnetic recording medium when the kind ofthe magnetic tape used for recording is not one stored in memory, datastored in the third memory 54 is read out, and based on the thus readoutdata, the control microcomputer 43 controls the recording current valuesetting circuit 28 so that the recording current value is set at such avalue that does not cause problems for any magnetic tape.

Embodiment 82

Embodiment 82 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 74is a block diagram showing a recording signal control apparatus of theinvention capable of optimizing recording conditions for a magneticrecording tape. In the figure, the same or corresponding parts to thoseshown in FIGS. 52, 64, and 69 are designated by the same referencenumerals, and explanation of such parts is not given here. The optimumrecording current characteristics obtained after the correction of thefrequency characteristic of the recording equalizer 4 are as shown inFIG. 40. In this embodiment, magnetic tape cassette loading and barcodereading operations are the same as those described in Embodiment 40, andtherefore, explanation of such operations is not given here.

The operation of this embodiment will now be described. Based on thereadout barcode data, the control microcomputer 43 identifies the kindof the magnetic tape 9 stored in the first memory 45, reads itsassociated characteristic data, and controls the detail emphasis circuit1, the recording equalizer frequency correction circuit 27, and therecording current setting circuit 28, all at the same time or in anycombination thereof, so that the amount of emphasis that the detailemphasis circuit 1 applies to the incoming video signal, the frequencycharacteristic of the recording equalizer 4, and the gain of therecording amplifier for FM signal recording are controlled at therespective optimum values all at the same time or in any combinationthereof.

For example, when the frequency characteristic of the recordingequalizer 4 and the gain of the recording amplifier 7 are set at therespective optimum values by the recording equalizer frequencycorrection circuit 27 and the recording current value setting circuit28, the obtained data will be as shown in FIG. 39, i.e. the recordingcurrent characteristics after passing through the recording equalizer ofstandard frequency characteristic, the O.R.C. being IA for tape A and IBfor tape B. Furthermore, if frequency characteristic corrections aremade by the recording equalizer 4, the obtained data will be as shown inFIG. 40, i.e., the optimum recording current characteristics obtainedafter correction of the recording equalizer 4, and further, therecording amplifier 7 controls the recording current characteristics atO.R.C., i.e. at IA and IB, at both frequencies of the f1 and f2 testsignals.

Embodiment 83

Embodiment 83 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 83is an embodiment in which the barcode reading operation performed afterthe loading of a magnetic tape cassette in Embodiment 41 (see FIGS. 53and 54) is incorporated in the control operation of the recording signalcontrol apparatus of Embodiment 82.

Embodiment 84

Embodiment 84 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 84is an embodiment in which the barcode reading operation performed afterthe loading of a magnetic tape cassette in Embodiment 42 (see FIG. 55)is incorporated in the control operation of the recording signal controlapparatus of Embodiment 82.

Embodiment 85

Embodiment 85 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 85is an embodiment in which the method of Embodiment 43 involvingattaching a barcode-printed cassette label 48 to the magnetic tapecassette 33 (see FIG. 56) is applied to Embodiments 82 to 84.

Embodiment 86

Embodiment 86 of the present invention will be desccibed. Embodiment 86is an embodiment in which the method of Embodiment 44 involvingpreparing a barcode-printed magnetic tape cassette 49 beforehand isapplied to Embodiments 82 to 84.

Embodiment 87

Embodiment 87 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 87is an embodiment in which the method of Embodiment 45 involving readingand transmitting barcode information by using the barcode scanner 50external to the VTR 34 (see FIG. 58) is applied to the recording signalcontrol apparatus of Embodiment 82.

Embodiment 88

Embodiment 88 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 88is an embodiment in which the method of Embodiment 46 involving readingbarcode information by the barcode scanner and transmitting the barcodeinformation to the VTR 34 by using the remote control unit 51 (see FIG.58) is applied to the recording signal control apparatus of Embodiment82.

Embodiment 89

In Embodiments 87 and 88, the barcode carried on the packaging material31 may be read using the barcode scanner 50 or the remote control unit51 with a built-in barcode scanner after the magnetic tape cassette 33has been loaded into the VTR 34, as in Embodiment 47.

Embodiment 90

Embodiment 90 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 90is an embodiment in which the method of Embodiment 48 involvingtransmitting numeric information carried at the bottom of a barcode tothe VTR 34 by using the remote control unit 51 external to the VTR 34(see FIG. 59(a)) is applied to the recording signal control apparatus ofEmbodiment 82.

Embodiment 91

Embodiment 91 of the present invention will be described. Embodiment 91is an embodiment in which the method of Embodiment 49 involvinginputting numeric information carried at the bottom of the barcode onthe packaged magnetic tape cassette 30 into the VTR 34 by using the jogshuttle dial 52 (see FIG. 59(b)) is applied to the recording signalcontrol apparatus of Embodiment 82.

Embodiment 92

In Embodiments 90 and 91, the numeric information at the bottom of thebarcode carried on the packaging material 31 may be input using theremote control unit 51 or the jog shuttle dial 52 after tohe magnetictape cassette 33 has been loaded into the VTR 34, as in Embodiment 50.

Embodiment 93

Embodiment 93 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 75is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the recording signalcontrol apparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions for amagnetic recording medium when the kind of the magnetic tape used forrecording is not one stored in memory. In the figure the same orcorresponding parts to those shown in FIGS. 60, 65, and 70 aredesignated by the same reference numerals, and explanation of such partsis not given here.

The operation of this embodiment will now be described. when, inEmbodiments 82 to 92, the kind of the magnetic tape used for recordingis not one stored in the first memory 45, a sequence of operationsillustrated in the following flowchart are performed under control ofthe control microcomputer 43 to detect the optimum recording conditionsfor the magnetic tape. In Embodiment 93, when controlling the recordingcurrent value and the detail emphasis amount for signal recording, theprocessing operations illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 71 arecombined with the steps in the flowchart of FIG. 61 that relate to thecontrol of the detail emphasis amount. Likewise, when controlling therecording current value and the frequency characteristic of therecording equalizer, the processing operations illustrated in theflowchart of FIG. 71 are combined with the steps in the flowchart ofFIG. 66 that relate to the control of the frequency characteristic ofthe recording equalizer. On the other hand, when controlling the detailemphasis amount and the frequency characteristic of the recordingequalizer, the processing operations illustrated in the flowchart ofFIG. 61 are combined with the steps in the flowchart of FIG. 66 thatrelate to the control of the frequency characteristic of the recordingequalizer. Multipie control operations are thus performed in Embodiment93.

Furthermore, when all the three factors, i.e. the recording currentvalue, the detail emphasis amount, and the frequency characteristic ofthe recording equalizer, are to be controlled for signal recording, theprocessing operations illustrated in the flowchart of FIG. 71 arecombined with the steps in the flowchart of FIG. 61 that relate to thecontrol of the detail emphasis amount and also with the steps in theflowchart of FIG. 66 that relate to the control of the frequencycharacteristic of the recording equalizer. Thus, the controlmicrocomputer 43 controls all or any combination of the detail emphasiscircuit 1, the recording equalizer frequency correction circuit 27, andthe recording current value setting circuit 28, so that the amount ofemphasis that the detail emphasis circuit 1 applies to the incomingvideo signal, the frequency characteristic of the recording equalizer 4,and the gain of the recording amplifier 7 for FM signal recording, arecontrolled at the respective optimum values all at the same time or inany combination thereof.

Embodiment 94

Embodiment 94 of the present invention will be described below. Theconfiguration of the apparatus is identical to that of Embodiment 93shown in FIG. 75. The following describes the operation of thisembodiment. Embodiment 94 provides the same features as those inEmbodiment 93, the only difference being that in Embodiment 94, therehearsal recording is carried out with the magnetic tape held at a stopposition.

In Embodiment 94, when, in Embodiments 82 to 92, the kind of themagnetic tape used for recording is not one stored in memory, thecontrol microcomputer 43 performs a sequence of operations by combiningappropriate steps selected from the flowcharts of FIGS. 62, 67, and 72,to detect the optimum recording conditions for the magnetic tape.

Embodiment 95

Embodiment 95 of the present invention will be described below. FIG. 76is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the recording signalcontrol apparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions for amagnetic recording medium when the kind of the magnetic tape used forrecording is not one stored in memory. In the figure, the same orcorresponding parts to those shown in FIG. 74 are designated by the samereference numbers, and explanation of such parts is not given here. Thenumeral 54 indicates a third memory For storing data based on which datathe control microcompurer 43 controls the detail emphasis circuit 1, therecording equalizer frequency correction circuit 27, and the recordingcurrent value setting circuit 28 so that the amount of emphasis that thedetail emphasis circuit 1 applies to the incoming video signal, thefrequency characteristic of the recording equalizer 4, and the gain ofthe recording amplifier 7 for FM signal recording are controlled at suchvalues that do not cause problems for any magnetic tape.

In the recording signal control apparatus matched to a magneticrecording medium when the kind of the magnetic tape used for recordingis not one stored in memory, the control microcomputer 43 reads out thedata stored in the third memory 54 and controls the detail emphasiscircuit 1, the recording equalizer frequency correction circuit 27, andthe recording current value setting circuit 28, all at the same time orin any combination thereof, so that all of the three factors, i.e. theamount of emphasis that the detail emphasis circuit 1 applies to the.incoming video signal, the frequency characteristic of the recordingequalizer 4, and the gain of the recording amplifier 7 for FM signal.recording, or any combination of these factors, are controlled at suchvalues that do not cause problems for any magnetic tape.

Embodiment 96

Embodiment 96 of the present invention will be described. In Embodiments51, 52, 65, 66, 79, 80, 93, and 94, there is further provided means forinputting the kind of the magnetic tape cassette 33 used for rehearsalrecording and for storing the same into the memory 45, so that data isstored in the memory 45 at the end of the tape simulation, therebyadding to the list of magnetic tapes stored in the memory.

Embodiment 97

Embodiment 97 of the present. invention will be described below. FIG. 77is a block diagram showing one embodiment of the recording signalcontrol apparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions for amagnetic recording medium and having the function of displaying the kindof the magnetic tape used. In the figure, the same or correspondingparts to those shown in FIG. 75 are designated by the same referencenumerals, and explanation of such parts is not given here. The apparatusof this embodiment further comprises a switch 23 for switching betweenan EE video signal for recording and a PB video signal for playback, anda screen display circuit 16 for outputting information onto a videosignal output screen. FIG. 78(a) shows an example of a monitor screendisplaying the kind of the magnetic cassette tape 33 used for recordingin the recording signal control apparatus of this embodiment.

The operation of this embodiment will now be described. The controlmicrocomputer 43 reads out the kind of the magnetic tape cassette 33stored in the first memory 45 used in Embodiments 40 to 50, 54 to 64, 68to 78, and 82 to 92, and sends the readout data to the screen displaycircuit 16 to display the kind of the magnetic tape cassette used forrecording on the monitor screen as shown in FIG. 78(a).

Embodiment 98

In Embodiment 97, only one kind of magnetic cassette tape 33 whose datahas been read is displayed on the monitor screen as shown in FIG. 78(a),but alternatively, more than one kind of magnetic cassette tape 33previously stored in the first memory 45 may be displayed for selection.

Embodiment 99

In Embodiment 97, since the screen display circuit 16 is placed on theoutput side of the EE/PB selector switch 23, the kind of the magneticcassette tape 33 used for recording can be displayed when playing backthe tape. On the other hand, if such display in playback is not needed,the screen display circuit 16 may be placed on the EE terminal side ofthe EE/PB selector switch 23.

Embodiment 100

The screen display device of Embodiment 97 may be adapted to produce adisplay screen similar to the one shown in FIG. 78(b), so that the usercan choose whether to carry out the tape simulation of Embodiment 51,52, 65, 66, 79, 80, 93, or 94, or to perform recording using suchinitial set values that do not cause problems for any magnetic tapecassette 33 as in Embodiments 53, 67, 81, and 95.

Embodiment 101

Embodiment 101 of the present invention will be described. Theconfiguration described in Embodiment 8 (see FIG. 5) may be employed forthe construction of the f1/f2 test signal generator 6 used inEmbodiments 51, 52, 65, 66, 79, 80, 93, and 94.

Embodiment 102

Embodiment 102 of the present invention will be described. Theconfiguration described in Embodiment 9 (see FIG. 6) may be employed forthe construction of the f1/f2 test signal generator 6 used inEmbodiments 51, 52, 65, 66, 79, 80, 93, and 94.

Embodiment 103

In Embodiments 101 and 102, instead of using the subcarrier frequency ofthe chroma signals, a signal in the vicinity of 4 MHz available withinthe VTR, such as the clock signal of a microcomputer, may be used togenerate the f1 test signal, as in Embodiment 10.

As this invention may be embodied in several forms without departingfrom the spirit of essential characteristics thereof, the presentembodiment is therefore illustrative and not restrictive, since thescope of the invention is defined by the appended claims rather than bythe description preceding them, and all changes that fall within metesand bounds of the claims, or equivalence of such metes and boundsthereof are therefore intended to be embraced by the claims.

What is claimed is:
 1. A recording signal control apparatus capable ofoptimizing recording conditions for a magnetic recording medium,comprising:first memory means for storing the type of a magneticrecording medium used for recording and playing back recording signals;second memory means for storing data concerning the optimum amount ofdetail emphasis to be applied at the time of recording on said magneticrecording medium; test signal generating means for generating aplurality of test signals of different frequencies to measurecharacteristic data of said magnetic recording medium to be used for therecording of recording signals; recording means for recording theplurality of test signals on recording tracks on said magnetic recordingmedium; replaying means for replaying the plurality of test signalsautomatically from the starting point of recording after recording for apredetermined length of time; level detecting means for detecting thelevel of each of the plurality of test signals of different frequenciesreplayed from said magnetic recording medium by said replaying means;third memory means for storing the test signal levels detected by saidlevel detecting means; detail emphasizing means for emphasizing detailof the recording signals to be recorded on said magnetic recordingmedium; display means for displaying a type name that identifies thetype of said magnetic recording medium on which the test signals arerecorded; and control means for storing the type name identifying thetype of said magnetic recording medium into said first memory means andthe characteristic data of said magnetic recording medium into saidsecond memory means in accordance with the level detection results fedfrom said level detecting means, and for controlling said detailemphasizing means by calculating the amount of detail emphasis to beapplied to the recording signals on the basis of the characteristic datastored in said second memory means for said magnetic recording mediumdisplayed on said display means.
 2. A recording signal control apparatuscapable of optimizing recording conditions for a magnetic recordingmedium according to claim 1, whereinsaid recording means records theplurality of test signals on recording tracks on said magnetic recordingmedium while holding said magnetic recording medium in stop position,and after recording for the predetermined length of time, said replayingmeans automatically replays the plurality of test signals while holdingsaid magnetic recording medium in stop position.
 3. A recording signalcontrol apparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions for amagnetic recording medium according to claim 1, whereinsaid controlmeans stores the type names of a plurality of magnetic recording mediainto said first memory means, stores characteristic data measured on theplurality of magnetic recording media into said second memory means,displays the type names of the plurality of magnetic recording mediastored in said first memory means onto said display means, selects amagnetic recording medium to be used for the recording of recordingsignals from among the plurality of magnetic recording media displayedon said display means, retrieves the characteristic data of the selectedmagnetic recording medium from said second memory means, and on thebasis of the retrieved characteristic data, controls the amount ofdetail emphasis that said detail emphasizing means applies to therecording signals.
 4. A recording signal control apparatus capable ofoptimizing recording conditions for a magnetic recording mediumaccording to claim 1, whereinwhen the magnetic recording medium used forthe recording of recording signals is a highband-compatible type, saidtest signal generating means comprises: a frequency doubler circuit fordoubling the frequency of a first test signal created from a signalhaving the subcarrier frequency of chroma signals; and an adder circuitfor adding said first test signal to an output signal of said frequencydoubler circuit and thereby outputting a second test signal as well assaid first test signal.
 5. A recording signal control apparatus capableof optimizing recording conditions for a magnetic recording mediumaccording to claim 4, whereinsaid test signal generating means uses assaid first test signal a microcomputer clock signal near 4 MHz usedwithin a video tape recorder.
 6. A recording signal control apparatuscapable of optimizing recording conditions for a magnetic recordingmedium according to claim 1, whereinwhen the magnetic recording mediumused for the recording of recording signals is a lowband-compatibletype, said test signal generating means comprises: a divide-by-2 circuitfor dividing by 2 a first test signal created from a signal having thesubcarrier frequency of chroma signals; and an adder circuit for addingsaid first test signal to an output signal of said divide-by-2 circuitand thereby outputting a second test signal as well as said first testsignal.
 7. A recording signal control apparatus capable of optimizingrecording conditions for a magnetic recording medium according to claim6, whereinsaid test signal generating means uses as said first testsignal a microcomputer clock signal near 4 MHz used within a video taperecorder.
 8. A recording signal control apparatus capable of optimizingrecording conditions for a magnetic recording medium according to claim1, whereinsaid control means reorders a list of data to be displayed onsaid display means in such a manner that the last magnetic recordingmedium used for recording of the recording signals is displayed at thetop of the list.
 9. In a magnetic recording and reproduction apparatusfor recording and reproducing recording signals on a magnetic recordingmedium, a recording signal control apparatus capable of optimizingrecording conditions for the magnetic recording medium,comprising:detail emphasizing means for emphasizing detail of therecording signals to be recorded on the magnetic recording medium; firstmemory means for prestoring the type names of a plurality of magneticrecording media; second memory means for storing characteristic dataconcerning the amount of detail emphasis optimized for recording foreach of the plurality of magnetic recording media; means for displayingthe type names of the plurality of magnetic recording media; means forselecting a magnetic recording medium to be used for recording fromamong the plurality of recording media displayed on said display means;means for retrieving the characteristic data of the selected magneticrecording medium from said second memory means; and control means forcontrolling said detail emphasizing means on the basis of thecharacteristic data retrieved for the selected magnetic recording mediumso that the amount of detail emphasis becomes optimum for the recordingof recording signals.
 10. A recording signal control apparatus capableof optimizing recording conditions for a magnetic recording mediumaccording to claim 9, whereinwhen the type name of the magneticrecording medium to be used for recording is not stored in said firstmemory means, said control means controls said detail emphasizing meansusing such characteristic data that does not cause problems for anymagnetic recording medium whose data is prestored in said second memorymeans.
 11. A recording signal control apparatus capable of optimizingrecording conditions for a magnetic recording medium according to claim9, further comprising:test signal generating means for generating aplurality of test signals of different frequencies to measure thecharacteristic data of the magnetic recording medium to be used forrecording when the type name of the magnetic recording medium is notstored in said first memory means; recording means for recording theplurality of test signals on recording tracks on said magnetic recordingmedium; replaying means for replaying the plurality of recorded testsignals; level detecting means for detecting the level of each of theplurality of test signals of different frequencies replayed by saidreplaying means; and third memory means for storing the test signallevels detected by said level detecting means, wherein said controlmeans recognizes the characteristic of the magnetic recording mediumused for recording from the data stored in said third memory means, andcontrols said detail emphasizing means so that the amount of detailemphasis becomes optimum for the recording of recording signals.
 12. Arecording signal control apparatus capable of optimizing recordingconditions for a magnetic recording medium according to claim 11,whereinsaid recording means records the plurality of test signals onrecording tracks on said magnetic recording medium while holding saidmagnetic recording medium in stop position, and after recording for apredetermined length of time, said replaying means automatically replaysthe plurality of test signals while holding said magnetic recordingmedium in stop position.
 13. A recording signal control apparatuscapable of optimizing recording conditions for a magnetic recordingmedium according to claim 11, whereinsaid control means additionallystores in said first memory means the type name of said magneticrecording medium on which recording of the plurality of test signals hasbeen carried out, and additionally stores in said second memory meansthe amount of detail emphasis optimized for the recording of recordingsignals on said magnetic recording medium whose data has been measured.14. A recording signal control apparatus capable of optimizing recordingconditions for a magnetic recording medium, comprising:first memorymeans for storing the type of a magnetic recording medium used forrecording and playing back recording signals; second memory means forstoring frequency characteristic data of a recording equalizer optimizedfor recording with said magnetic recording medium; test signalgenerating means for generating a plurality of test signals of differentfrequencies to measure characteristic data of said magnetic recordingmedium to be used for the recording of recording signals; recordingmeans for recording the plurality of test signals on recording tracks onsaid magnetic recording medium; replaying means for replaying theplurality of test signals automatically from the starting point ofrecording after recording for a predetermined length of time; leveldetecting means for detecting the level of each of the plurality of testsignals of different frequencies replayed from said magnetic recordingmedium by said replaying means; third memory means for storing the testsignal levels detected by said level detecting means; recordingequalizer frequency correcting means for correcting the recordingequalizer frequency characteristic so that the recording equalizerfrequency characteristic becomes optimum for recording on said magneticrecording medium; display means for displaying a type name thatidentifies the type of said magnetic recording medium on which the testsignals are recorded; and control means for storing the type nameidentifying the type of said magnetic recording medium into said firstmemory means and the recording equalizer frequency characteristic datainto said second memory means in accordance with the level detectionresults fed from said level detecting means, and for controlling saidrecording equalizer frequency correcting means on the basis of thefrequency characteristic data stored in said second memory means forsaid magnetic recording medium, so that the recording equalizerfrequency characteristic becomes optimum for the recording of recordingsignals on said magnetic recording medium displayed on said displaymeans.
 15. A recording signal control apparatus capable of optimizingrecording conditions for a magnetic recording medium according to claim14, whereinsaid recording means records the plurality of test signals onrecording tracks on said magnetic recording medium while holding saidmagnetic recording medium in stop position, and after recording for thepredetermined length of time, said replaying means automatically replaysthe plurality of test signals while holding said magnetic recordingmedium in stop position.
 16. A recording signal control apparatuscapable of optimizing recording conditions for a magnetic recordingmedium according to claim 14, whereinsaid control means stores the typenames of a plurality of magnetic recording media into said first memorymeans, stores recording equalizer frequency characteristic data measuredfor the plurality of magnetic recording media into said second memorymeans, displays the type names of the plurality of magnetic recordingmedia stored in said first memory means onto said display means, selectsa magnetic recording medium to be used for the recording of recordingsignals from among the plurality of magnetic recording media displayedon said display means, retrieves the recording equalizer frequencycharacteristic data for the selected magnetic recording medium from saidsecond memory means, and controls the recording equalizer frequencycharacteristic at the time of recording of the recording signals.
 17. Arecording signal control apparatus capable of optimizing recordingconditions for a magnetic recording medium according to claim 14,whereinwhen the magnetic recording medium used for the recording ofrecording signals is a highband-compatible type, said test signalgenerating means comprises: a frequency doubler circuit for doubling thefrequency of a first test signal created front a signal having thesubcarrier frequency of chroma signals; and an adder circuit for addingsaid first test signal to an output signal of said frequency doublercircuit and thereby outputting a second test signal as well as saidfirst test signal.
 18. A recording signal control apparatus capable ofoptimizing recording conditions for a magnetic recording mediumaccording to claim 17, whereinsaid test signal generating means uses assaid first test signal a microcomputer clock signal near 4 MHz usedwithin a video tape recorder.
 19. A recording signal control apparatuscapable of optimizing recording conditions for a magnetic recordingmedium according to claim 14, whereinwhen the magnetic recording mediumused for the recording of recording signals is a lowband-compatibletype, said test signal generating means comprises: a divide-by-2 circuitfor dividing by 2 a first test signal created from a signal having thesubcarrier frequency of chroma signals; and an adder circuit for addingsaid first test signal to an output signal of said divide-by-2 circuitand thereby outputting a second test signal as well as said first testsignal.
 20. A recording signal control apparatus capable of optimizingrecording conditions for a magnetic recording medium according to claim19, whereinsaid test, signal generating means uses as said first testsignal a microcomputer clock signal near 4 MHz used within a video taperecorder.
 21. A recording signal control apparatus capable of optimizingrecording conditions for a magnetic recording medium according to claim14, whereinsaid control means reorders a list of data to be displayed onsaid display means in such a manner that the last magnetic recordingmedium used for recording of the recording signals is displayed at thetop of the list.
 22. In a magnetic recording and reproduction apparatusfor recording and reproducing recording signals on a magnetic recordingmedium, a recording signal control apparatus capable of optimizingrecording conditions for the magnetic recording medium,comprising:recording equalizer frequency correcting means for correctingthe frequency characteristic of a recording equalizer so that therecording equalizer frequency characteristic becomes optimum forrecording on the magnetic recording medium; first memory means forprestoring the type names of a plurality of magnetic recording media;second memory means for storing optimum recording equalizer frequencycharacteristic data for each of the plurality of magnetic recordingmedia; means for displaying the type names of the plurality of magneticrecording media; means for selecting a magnetic recording medium to beused for recording from among the plurality of recording media displayedon said display means; means for retrieving the recording equalizerfrequency characteristic data for the selected magnetic recording mediumfrom said second memory means; and control means for controlling saidrecording equalizer frequency correcting means on the basis of thecharacteristic data retrieved for the selected magnetic recording mediumso that the recording equalizer frequency characteristic becomes optimumfor the recording of recording signals.
 23. A recording signal controlapparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions for a magneticrecording medium according to claim 22, whereinwhen the type name of themagnetic recording medium to be used for recording is not stored in saidfirst memory means, said control means controls said recording equalizerfrequency correcting means using such characteristic data that does notcause problems for any magnetic recording medium whose data is prestoredin said second memory means.
 24. A recording signal control apparatuscapable of optimizing recording conditions for a magnetic recordingmedium according to claim 22, further comprising:test signal generatingmeans for generating a plurality of test signals of differentfrequencies to measure the characteristic data of the magnetic recordingmedium to be used for recording when the type name of the magneticrecording medium is not stored in said first memory means; recordingmeans for recording the plurality of test signals on recording tracks onsaid magnetic recording medium; replaying means for replaying theplurality of recorded test signals; level detecting means for detectingthe level of each of the plurality of test signals of differentfrequencies replayed by said replaying means; and third memory means forstoring the test signal levels detected by said level detecting means,wherein said control means recognizes the characteristic of the magneticrecording medium used for recording from the data stored in said thirdmemory means, and controls said recording equalizer frequency correctingmeans so that the recording equalizer frequency characteristic becomesoptimum for the recording of recording signals.
 25. A recording signalcontrol apparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions for amagnetic recording medium according to claim 24, whereinsaid recordingmeans records the plurality of test signals on recording tracks on saidmagnetic recording medium while holding said magnetic recording mediumin stop position, and after recording for a predetermined length oftime, said replaying means automatically replays the plurality of testsignals while holding said magnetic recording medium in stop position.26. A recording signal control apparatus capable of optimizing recordingconditions for a magnetic recording medium according to claim 24,whereinsaid control means additionally stores in said first memory meansthe type name of said magnetic recording medium on which recording ofthe plurality of test signals has been carried out, and additionallystores in said second memory means the recording equalizer frequencycharacteristic data optimized for the recording of recording signals onsaid magnetic recording medium whose data has been measured.
 27. Arecording signal control apparatus capable of optimizing recordingconditions for a magnetic recording medium, comprising:first memorymeans for storing the type of a magnetic recording medium used forrecording and playing back recording signals; second memory means forstoring recording current data optimized for recording with saidmagnetic recording medium; test signal generating means for generating aplurality of test signals of different frequencies to measurecharacteristic data of said magnetic recording medium to be used for therecording of recording signals; recording means for recording theplurality of test signals on recording tracks on said magnetic recordingmedium while gradually increasing or decreasing the recording current;recording/reading means for recording data corresponding to thevariation of the recording current onto a control track on said magneticrecording medium and for reading recording current data from the controltrack; replaying means for replaying the plurality of test signalsautomatically from the starting point of recording after recording for apredetermined length of time; level detecting means for detecting thelevel of each of the plurality of test signals of different frequenciesreplayed from said magnetic recording medium by said replaying means;third memory means for storing variations in the test signal levelsdetected by said level detecting means and variations in the recordingcurrent read by said recording/reading means; recording current valuesetting means for setting the recording current at an optimum value forthe recording of recording signals on said magnetic recording medium;display means for displaying a type name that identifies the type ofsaid magnetic recording medium on which the test signals are recorded;and control means for storing the type name of said magnetic recordingmedium into said first memory means, displaying same on said displaymeans, calculating the optimum recording current value for said magneticrecording medium from the variations of the test signal levels detectedby said level detecting means and the variation of the recording currentread by said recording/reading means, storing the calculated recordingcurrent value into said second memory means, and for controlling saidrecording current value setting means on the basis of the data stored insaid second memory means for said magnetic recording medium displayed onsaid display means so that the recording current becomes optimum for therecording of recording signals on said magnetic recording medium.
 28. Arecording signal control apparatus capable of optimizing recordingconditions for a magnetic recording medium, comprising:first memorymeans for storing the type of a magnetic recording medium used forrecording and playing back recording signals; second memory means forstoring recording current data optimized for recording with saidmagnetic recording medium; test signal generating means for generating aplurality of test signals of different; frequencies to measurecharacteristic data of said magnetic recording medium to be used for therecording of recording signals; recording means for recording theplurality of test signals on recording tracks on said magnetic recordingmedium while gradually increasing or decreasing the recording currentfor every half-revolution cycle corresponding to a rotating magnetichead change-over timing; replaying means for automatically replayingrecorded portions after recording for a predetermined length of time,while holding said magnetic recording medium in stop position, and forreading the recording current value recorded for the duration of timeelapsed from the rotating magnetic head change-over timing; leveldetecting means for detecting the level of each of the plurality of testsignals of different frequencies replayed from said magnetic recordingmedium by said replaying means; third memory means for storingvariations in the test signal levels detected by said level detectingmeans and variations in the recording current read by saidrecording/reading means; recording current value setting means forsetting the recording current at an optimum value for the recording ofrecording signals on said magnetic recording medium; display means fordisplaying a type name that identifies the type of said magneticrecording medium on which the test signals are recorded; and controlmeans for storing the type name of said magnetic recording medium intosaid first memory means, displaying same on said display means,calculating the optimum recording current value for said magneticrecording medium from the variations of the test signal levels detectedby said level detecting means and the variation of the recording currentread by said recording/reading means, storing the calculated recordingcurrent value into said second memory means, and for controlling saidrecording current value setting means on the basis of the data stored insaid second memory means for said magnetic recording medium displayed onsaid display means so that the recording current becomes optimum for therecording of recording signals on said magnetic recording medium.
 29. Arecording signal control apparatus capable of optimizing recordingconditions for a magnetic recording medium according to claim 27,whereinsaid control means stores the type names of a plurality ofmagnetic recording media into said first memory means, stores optimumrecording current value data measured for the plurality of magneticrecording media into said second memory means, displays the type namesof the plurality of magnetic recording media stored in said first memorymeans onto said display means, selects a magnetic recording medium to beused for the recording of recording signals from among the plurality ofmagnetic recording media displayed on said display means, retrieves theoptimum recording current value data for the selected magnetic recordingmedium from said second memory means, and thereby controls saidrecording current value setting means.
 30. A recording signal controlapparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions for a magneticrecording medium according to claim 27, whereinwhen the magneticrecording medium used for the recording of recording signals is ahighband-compatible type, said test signal generating means comprises: afrequency doubler circuit for doubling the frequency of a first testsignal created from a signal having the subcarrier frequency of chromasignals; and an adder circuit for adding said first test signal to anoutput signal of said frequency doubler circuit and thereby outputting asecond test signal as well as said first test signal.
 31. A recordingsignal control apparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions fora magnetic recording medium according to claim 30, whereinsaid testsignal generating means uses as said first test signal a microcomputerclock signal near 4 MHz used within a video tape recorder.
 32. Arecording signal control apparatus capable of optimizing recordingconditions for a magnetic recording medium according to claim 27,whereinwhen the magnetic recording medium used for the recording ofrecording signals is a lowband-compatible type, said test signalgenerating means comprises: a divide-by-2 circuit for dividing by 2 afirst test signal created from a signal having the subcarrier frequencyof chroma signals; and an adder circuit for adding said first testsignal to an output signal of said divide-by-2 circuit, and therebyoutputting a second test signal as well as said first test signal.
 33. Arecording signal control apparatus capable of optimizing recordingconditions for a magnetic recording medium according to claim 32,whereinsaid test signal generating means uses as said first. test signala microcomputer clock signal near 4 MHz used within a video taperecorder.
 34. A recording signal control apparatus capable of optimizingrecording conditions for a magnetic recording medium according to claim27, whereinsaid control means reorders a list of data to be displayed onsaid display means in such a manner that the last magnetic recordingmedium used for recording of the recording signals is displayed at thetop of the list.
 35. A recording signal control apparatus capable ofoptimizing recording conditions for a magnetic recording medium,comprising:recording current value setting means for setting therecording current at an optimum value for the recording of recordingsignals on a magnetic recording medium; first memory means forprestoring the type names of a plurality of magnetic recording media;second memory means for prestoring data concerning the optimum amount ofrecording current for recording on each of the plurality of magneticrecording media; means for displaying the type names of the plurality ofmagnetic recording media; means for selecting a magnetic recordingmedium to be used for recording from among the plurality of magneticrecording media displayed on said display means; means for retrievingdata concerning the optimum amount of recording current for the selectedmagnetic recording medium from said second memory means; and controlmeans for controlling said recording current value setting means on thebasis of the characteristic data retrieved for said magnetic recordingmedium so that the recording current becomes optimum for the recordingon said magnetic recording medium.
 36. A recording signal controlapparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions for a magneticrecording medium according to claim 35, whereinwhen the type name of themagnetic recording medium used for recording is not stored in said firstmemory means, said control means controls said recording current valuesetting means using such characteristic data that does not causeproblems for any magnetic recording medium whose data is prestored insaid second memory means.
 37. A recording signal control apparatuscapable of optimizing recording conditions for a magnetic recordingmedium according to claim 35, further comprising:test signal generatingmeans for generating a plurality of test signals of differentfrequencies to measure the characteristic data of the magnetic recordingmedium to be used for recording when the type name of the magneticrecording medium is not stored in said first memory means; recordingmeans for recording the plurality of test signals on recording tracks onsaid magnetic recording medium while increasing or decreasing therecording current; recording/reading means for recording datacorresponding to the variation of the recording current onto a controltrack on said magnetic recording medium and for reading recordingcurrent data from the control track; replaying means for replaying theplurality of test signals automatically from the starting point ofrecording after recording fox a predetermined length of time; leveldetecting means for detecting the level of each of the plurality of testsignals of different frequencies replayed by said replaying means; andthird memory means for storing variations in the test signal levelsdetected by said level detecting means and variations in the recordingcurrent read by said recording/reading means, wherein on the basis ofthe variations of the test signal levels and the variation of therecording current, said control means controls said recording currentvalue setting means to optimize the recording current.
 38. A recordingsignal control apparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions fora magnetic recording medium according to claim 37, whereinwhen the typename of the magnetic recording medium used for the recording ofrecording signals is not stored in said first memory means, said controlmeans instructs said recording means to record the plurality of testsignals on recording tracks on said magnetic recording medium whilegradually increasing or decreasing the recording current for everyhalf-revolution period corresponding to a rotating magnetic headchange-over timing, stores into said third memory means the levelvariations of the plurality of test signals automatically replayed bysaid replaying means from said magnetic recording medium held in stopposition after recording for a predetermined length of time, along withthe variation of the recording current read for the duration of timeelapsed from the rotating magnetic head change-over timing, and controlssaid recording current value setting means on the basis of thevariations of the test signal levels and the variation of the recordingcurrent so that the recording current becomes optimum for the recordingon said magnetic recording medium.
 39. A recording signal controlapparatus capable of optimizing recording conditions for a magneticrecording medium according to claim 37, whereinsaid control meansadditionally stores in said first memory means the type name of saidmagnetic recording medium on which recording of the plurality of testsignals has been carried out, and additionally stores in said secondmemory means the recording current data optimized for the recording ofrecording signals on said magnetic recording medium whose data has beenmeasured.